Christmas Gathering

Here's a nice group shot of everyone that came over to the house today for a quick Christmas gathering - just before play practice. Nearly everyone you see in the photo is involved in the play somehow, so in a rather spontaneous decision, we decided to throw a KidPak Christmas party here at the house after church and before play practice. It was very special: Mommy put together a lot of food for everyone to eat, and of course there was the classic ornament exchange game we do each year. Daddy wound up with the ornament he wanted, which might be a first!

It was a bit rushed, as we did have play practice to attend. But it was good. Madison had a lot of fun with the kids there, showing off her room and her pink Christmas tree. Meanwhile Daddy, Mommy and all the others hung out in the great room, talking and resting by the fire.

To everyone's delight, the snow flakes began to fall this afternoon - and although there may be no accumulations here in Forsyth County, the sight of snow falling is very special here and not taken for granted. Madison was quite excited, but weren't we all?

The only thing unpleasant might have been that turn for the worst with the temperature. It's 24 degrees out there now, but the wind makes it feel much, much colder.

PLay practice ended a little earlier tonight (mainly because it started earlier), so it was great to come home and watch a Christmas movie with Madison. Daddy endured "My Little Pony: A Very Minty Christmas."

"Why do you delight in torturing me?"

- Ebenezer Scrooge

Yes, soon after it was time for Madison to head to bed. Mommy and Daddy stayed up and watched "Disney's A Christmas Carol," sipping hot chocolate on our comfy couch. Just think: it was fourteen months ago that we first hopped on that "A Christmas Carol" train when it came to Duluth. Here we were tonight, watching it again on our new television. It isn't our favorite of the versions of the story, but the movie looks absolutely incredible, and we still enjoy it. If only they cut out that one scene at the end of the Ghost of Christmas Present's visit...

Anyway, today was a very full day, when you take into account a great church service this morning. We were "at it" all day long, but also managed time for Christmas fun.