Merry Christmas

Well, a little late... but as you'll soon read, it's been quite hectic. But then, when is it not?

Christmas morning was so fun, watching the kids open their gifts and play with their new toys. We enjoyed a big breakfast together, and just played. When the kids went down for naps, we packed the car and when they woke, we hit the road for the airport.

Our flight to Florida to spend Christmas with Rick's folks went very well. The flight arrived 20 mins early, and both kids did great! We got to Mema & Bebop's house, and right away Kaitlyn spotted "Presents!!" under the tree. So she had her 4th (and final) set of Christmas presents to open. She remembered the house well, and was very excited to see Uncle Kevin, whom she hasn't seen in almost a year. I was quite impressed that she remembered him. But then, we've always been intentional about keeping family pictures low on the fridge for her (and now Zach) to see and hold easily, as well as "toy" photo albums for them to play with. And I believe that has been a big help in keeping her connected to the out of state family. I can see Zach beginning to notice their pictures and play with them more now too.

Anyhow, we got here safely. I was just a little sick the next morning (sore throat and achy), but by Friday I was fine. So today we loaded up and drove to the beach for the day. Kaitlyn had a BALL running in the sand and water. Of course, I had to let her know it was okay for her to get "dirty" (yes, she's all girl!) but then she really got into digging into the sand and loved spashing in the water. Zach, on the other hand, HATED the beach. Might be he was still too tired to take well to all that new stuff, but he cried or whined most of the time we were there, and espcially didn't want anything to do with either sand or water. We got back to the house, and determined that he, Rick and Rick's Dad ALL have fevers, with the two Dad's being quite high. So the boys are all down for the count. We are praying for quick recovery, because tomorrow we're supposed to head out for Disney.

On a sad note, my Grandma (Mom's Mom) died on Christmas Day. Mom was by her side as she just slowed down and breathed her last. She was 94. She was a great cook (I remember how patiently she let Sandi and I "help" make bread or pies even while we were very young... and yes, I cherish her cherry pie recipe!). She was smart, loved interesting conversations, and very well read. Please pray for Mom and her brother Bill as they work out all the logistics and details. And pray for Miles... he was her 2nd husband (they married after both were widowed quite young), and their rooms were side by side in the nursing home. He is 93, and I know he will feel her loss so profoundly. I am ever so grateful that we were able to introduce Grandma to her only great-grandchildren last summer. That visit gives me great comfort. And I am grateful that I'll be back to TN in time to turn around and go to Ohio for her service.