Merry Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas despite the disappointment of not having Joe there. He was scheduled to take leave on the 18th and arrive from Japan sometime the next day. Just a couple days before he was due to arrive, we got the bad news that he would not be able to take leave at that time.

With that in mind, Chris received a wonderful present...a webcam. So, later that evening, we were able to talk to Joe via the internet and see him, too! What a difference it made to be able to see his expressions and for him to see us, including Katie's "gappy" grin!

The highlight for the girls, besides talking to their brother on the internet, had to be their American Girl dolls. Katie asked Santa for one that looked like her, and Claire wanted "Ruthie," Kitt Kittredge's sidekick. They also received pajamas that matched the pajamas of their dolls.

Matt and Marc just asked for clothes and $$$.

We then prepared our typical Christmas dinner--filet on the grill with Bearnaise sauce, baked potatoes, and veggies. Our pastor and his wife joined us for dinner, as well as Chris' dad.

Christmas Eve was spent at a party at Chris' work up in Mount Holly, a candlelight service, driving around and looking at lights, and watching, "It's a Wonderful Life."

Wishing everyone all the blessings of Christmas and a great New Year!