Home For Christmas

Christmas Day turned out to be a very windy day, so windy that our lights flickered on several occasions and I was thinking of back-up plans for the turkey to get done.  Chris and Julene with three super excited kids had their rocking session on the ferry coming from the island. They were the first to ring the doorbell. Of course I had to take a photo of this momentous occasion. The doorbell rang again and . . .words don't need explaining for the beautiful sight . . . Ben and Kari and Co. . .  followed by our photogenic Shaun and Kristal with their three new Canadians.

Papa has a routine with the smallest ones and they remember every time they come in. They get a review of who everyone is.

All day long, I really felt like this could not be happening.  I actually wondered how one does a family gathering .  .. one in which I suddenly felt like I was my mom. When I first saw this photo, I had this feeling of everything being surreal, like I was in heaven, looking down at the future. How can one suddenly have a table-full of grandchildren eating turkey dinner?



Meanwhile, in the dining room, the table was set only for the adults to enjoy after the kids were done.

I probably enjoyed this time most of all! Eating together and anticipating the rest of the evening.

I realize we are starting traditions with this day and, in years to come, we will have to do the same. I think this is one . . . the grandchildren by the tree. (Landon, Paeton, Tehya holding Koen, Natalie, Makenna and Lacey. This is Makenna's first Christmas in Canada.




Gifts from uncles and aunts were opened before our early dinner. The rest were opened after the adults finished dinner.

Can I say again? It was soooo good to be together!

It will be the Christmas long remembered for the first time we had all three married kids home for Christmas together.