Christmas Eve

We have had a great and relaxing Christmas Eve. We did a little shopping this morning (had to find the best Asian supermarket, nothing matches A Dong in WH though), more raking (the leaves never end I tell you), napping, Batman watching, opening one present, driving around looking at Christmas lights, Radio City Music Rockettes Christmas special watching, Luke 2 reading, brownie making and eating, and now it's 8pm and the kids are sleeping soundly. Brooks actually fell asleep in the car while we were looking at lights, so I guess we'll have to act out the nativity next year if he can stay awake! It is wonderful to have Lewis home and to be together as a family. I am definitely missing my family though. We haven't been with them for Christmas since 2003, and it's hard for me every year. Here are some pictures from that trip to Ghana (where my parents were living at the time, they are now in Mexico City):







I miss them a lot, but that is one of the things you have to deal with when your family is spread out and your husband is a resident. We have also spent some great Christmases with Lewis' family, last year in SoCal and three years ago in Vienna. I know, we're spoiled.
In Connecticut we learned to "make" family and even though my kids didn't get to spend many holidays with extended family, we had friends who always made us feel at home. We are missing them also this time of year. HOWEVER, we have also felt so much peace and joy during this season. We feel so blessed and overwhelmed with love for all of our friends and family near and far. Merry Christmas to you all! And you can track Santa here.

Oh, and this isn't related to Christmas but Brooks is at such a great age. "do it self" is his motto. Here is his trying to get undressed.

Please ignore all the booty shaking. I have no umm idea where they learned that. ahem. Also, ignore Aiden's KORN rendition and head banging. Again, no idea.

I can't wait to see their faces in the morning, I sure love Christmas and Santa has been good to us.