The Eve.

The week has flown by. This time last week...

We gathered at the nephew's house to celebrate Christmas with extended family. We paid homage to the patriarch that is no longer with us. 

Honored with an empty chair.  This photo is entitled "Hats off to Granddaddy Bob!"

(Note: All hats were from his collection.)

Aunt Rhonda tried to herd the cats for a great-grandchildren photo-op. 

The grandchildren. Aren't they grand?!

The reading of the Christmas story was followed by a fun drawing game and the typical Dirty Santa game. Several people went home with the gifts they brought, and another gave away the gift that didn't thrill. Ah well. Weather cooperated. 

It was a good day. Wrapped it all up around a campfire cooking hot dogs and symores. 

On Sunday we had our very own Christmas at our house. It was especially fun watching Merritt during the gift giving. Not only was she thrilled with her own gifts, but she was genuinely thrilled to watch others open theirs! The magic was alive in her. Sheer joy.

Our Christmas dinner was tacos!

I felt like I skidded through the remainder of the week in a steady slide. I could neither slow it down nor stop it. Right up until the last minute when I threw things in my suitcase in about 15 minutes and was ready for the trip down south. 

Out-of-Town Son and his wife hosted a fun Thursday evening of a trip to Soule' Museum. Decorated for Christmas  complete with snow machine and miniature train that Cc enjoyed riding for the first three laps. The other 27+ were tolerated. 

We loved the lights of the season! 

After a very nice local restaurant we drove way out into the country to enjoy a huge Christmas light display! It was amazing! It was just the right touch to light my Christmas joy candle. 

Friday we drove to Mom's. She is 96. In my 60th year I have enjoyed spending my birthday, and now Christmas with my mother. It is pretty special. 

After breakfast this morning, Christmas Eve, Mom and I lingered at the table. Mom admitted missing hearing Christmas carols. You know she is virtually deaf, now. Carols do put you in such a holiday mood, she said. During Advent many mornings she has sung "Oh Come, Oh Come! Emmanuel!" And so, I joined her for a pretty spirited rendition of every verse of that song. I only wish we had recorded it. It would have gone viral. Or given someone a virus. I'm pretty sure. Mom has always longed to sing, but never has excelled at it. In our limited ranges (each very different from the other) we sang with all our hearts for Emmanuel to come. 

The new Christ enters in. 

Today we have visited, via FaceTime and in person, friends and family. Beach Boy and his family came just in time for lunch. Chinese take out. 

Fa-ra-ra-ra-ra-ra-ra-ra-ra! 

Merry Christmas to all!

*****

"Backward, turn backward,

Oh time in your flight.

Make me a child again.

Just for tonight!"

-Elizabeth Akers Allen