Merry Christmas!

We are headed out of town early tomorrow morning, so I just wanted to download Christmas morning pictures before we left. It's been a fabulous day here on Belmont Lane (as I hope it has been in your neck of the woods)...probably one of the best Christmas' yet. simple. We didn't go anywhere, but played all together while the "weather outside was frightful" (well, not really. Just rainy...which is "frightful" for California standards). We opened presents, drank wassail, played games, watched movies, took naps (amazing), talked with our loved ones, snuggled up by the fire, and were happy. I love days like this...especially when it's Christmas.

Last night, as I was getting the stockings all ready for Santa, I noticed a note tucked deep down in Savannah's stocking. It read like this: "Dear Santa, I think I was being a bit too greedy last year. I am eight now. The last time you came I was seven. I love that doll you gave me last year. I'm not really going to ask for anything. From, Savannah My list is on the back: 1. Happy for Christmas 2. Healthy for Christmas 3. able to do service 4. Help others 5. and give to others 6. My sister Erika to feel better Merry Christmas!"

I'm not even making that up (I could never cook up a note like that). Adam and I cried. You have those moments as parents...payoff moments. You get a glimpse that maybe, just maybe what you're teaching your kids is sinking in. I loved that.

Joseph got a sword (actually a "star wars sword!!!" that glows in the dark). One of his sisters bought it for him from the dollar store. We could have just stopped there...it was by far the hit of Christmas. He was wielding it all over the place.

Austin found Hershey kisses...we could've stopped there too.

Hope you have a peaceful Christmas season. Love you, each one.