Christmas fun

We made it through another Christmas. It was actually a lot of fun this year. Gavin really enjoyed all the presents. I struggle with a bit of a socialist conscience at this time of year. No matter how simple we try to keep things it still seems a bit overwhelming. But we are extremely grateful to friends and family who love and value our kids.

The biggest Christmas miracle this year is that we actually payed for a tree this year. It was half price and if we had waited one more day it likely would have been free (this choked Wes). But, Saturday was the only availlable day we had to get the tree dressed so we took the plunge.

We had a wonderful day. Uncle Brad and his girlfriend, Cindy, came over for waffles and a gift exchange. Then we all trucked out to Mom and Dad's and had a wonderful day with family and friends. We stayed over night so I could get the kids to bed at a still decent hour. It worked for Bronwyn, but Gavin was up to the bitter end. I was laying him down at 11:30ish. Wow - where do they get the energy.

Uncle Tom and family win the award for noisiest gift of the year award - an electric drum set for Gavin. I think that is a bit of payback for all the inappropriate gifts I have given over the years.

I won the award for most breakable gift. The little Ikea tea set I got for Bronwyn has already suffered a casualty. Oh, well at least I didn't pay a lot for it! Wes wins the award for most gracious gift. He got me a Celine Dion CD even though he doesn't like her at all and gave it to me on the condition that he NEVER has to hear it! OK - I can do that. We still have most of the ornaments still on the tree but I have promised Gavin he can strip it bare tomorrow - he can't wait!

We keep Christmas pretty simple around here. A few gifts, lots of food, a lot of fun with family, and a heck of a lot of thanksgiving for the gifts God has given us. We still are quite overwhelmed with how well Bronwyn continues to do. Our lives are rich and full and God has been very very good to us.

We hope and pray you all had a great Christmas. May God bless and keep you in the Year ahead.