Merry Christmas!

... and a happy day at that :) The kids awoke this morning to a charge of gifts under the tree and a smile on their faces.

We had told the kids that gifts would not be available for opening until 6:00 a.m., so there's no need to wake any earlier than that. They were adorable, at 5:40, I heard Colby get up, use the bathroom and then whisper to Kaylee "you awake?" She responded "yeah, come here". They turned on a string of Christmas lights she had hanging near her bed... and they plotted.

I could hear them whispering about what they got for gifts, if BJ and I were awake, if they should wake us up, if they should go peek in the living room, pondered the possibilities of starting the coffee maker and getting mugs/sugar/cream ready for us. We chuckled as we listened... so cute!

Eventually the clock turned to 6:00, and in they came.... "come on, get up, it's Christmas". They were super excited as they turned on the lights and saw the haul. I am so proud of our kiddos, they enjoy their Christmas morning experience, and we all take our time in opening both stockings and gifts. We each take turns, and we take time to enjoy the gifts, each other and the morning.

Later, after all had been opened, Meme and Papa came out. We sipped coffee, and watched as the kids played with their games/gifts. So enjoyable and relaxing. We had a "nothing-special" lunch at the house, and headed to Kathy's to run the generator and hook-up her dryer (our gift to her for Christmas). She had lost power for over 3 days now due to the ice storm and was working today. It was more than an adventure getting the dryer installed, and I am so impressed by BJ's knowledge and experience in this field.

This evening, we went to Meme & Papa's for our Christmas with them... again, a relaxing and enjoyable experience. The kids were more than excited about their bikes, and all the many other gifts. BJ and I were excited about the generator they gifted to us the weekend before as a Christmas gift. It has more than once come in handy this past week with the continued icing happening outside.

Another Christmas come and gone, and another holiday leaving me with a warm spirit, a full heart and love in the air. ... my cup runneth over!