First, a heartfelt thank you to Rob's wonderful family for their patience with our tired and sick family. Yes, meltdowns were as numerous as ornaments on a Christmas tree, yet all the while everyone was extremely understanding, sympathetic, and helpful. That's what family is all about and we thank you guys very much!!
Now don't get me wrong, we had some wonderful times this Christmas, starting with our 'early Christmas' Friday morning. As expected, William loves his new four wheeler!! Here he is taking it for a spin and attempting some off-roading.
Sadie enjoyed playing with the ribbons and eating one of the goodies I put in their stockings.
The highlights of our time with Rob's family, for me, include watching Will and Sadie interact with their extended family, warm conversation with family members we don't see as often as we'd like, wrapping presents and catching up with Rob's sister Sarah (Thanks for your help, Sarah!), the spontaneous Christmas carol competition during Christmas eve dinner, the inspirational and tear-jerking Christmas eve service we almost missed but are so glad we attended, watching everyone open their gifts-- especially Rob's unique instrument from his brother Chris-- and ultimately just being together!
In the end, the sickness and lack of sleep got the best of us and we opted to leave a day early. After a twelve hour drive (It was supposed to take 7 hours without holiday traffic!) Will and Sadie were glad to sleep in their own beds as we all slept in to about 9AM! We went to the doctor's office this afternoon where they determined Will may have croup and Sadie, as mentioned above, has an ear infection. We're armed with antibiotics now and hopefully on the road to recovery!
Here are some pics of our Christmas with the French family in PA:
William models his new sweater handmade by his Gramma Sue! Isn't is fabulous?!
Sadie enjoying one of her gifts
William and Gramma Sue enjoy a quiet moment
Grandpa Bob-- a man of honor-- holding up his end of a lost bet!
Daddy playing his new 'mouth bow'
Sadie and Aunt Sarah
Will and Uncle Urch
Gramma Sue and Daddy watch as William opens one of his gifts on Christmas morning
Mommy and her gift, William!
William sharing a special moment with Cousin Ruthie
Our wonderful host even had time to snuggle with our little Sadie
To Dick and Janet-- thank you again for your hospitality! We appreciate you hosting us and the rest of the family this Christmas. Your hard work and generosity is appreciated!
To sum things up and to get to the heart of why we celebrate this holiday, I'm reminded of the story of Christ's birth. Things most certainly didn't go how Mary and Joseph had planned for the birth of God's perfect son, Jesus, and yet God was in control and glorified! While this life may not be perfect, sickness interrupts or hopes fail, God is in control and his Son is our only hope! AMEN.
Oh, one more quick thing. When we arrived home, I found that my new passport had arrived. Bahamas here I come! :):):)
Merry Christmas everyone!
0 comments:
Post a Comment