Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas.  The whole lead up to Christmas was wonderful.  I think from Halloween I was so aware that this time last year we'd gotten the call to say we'd missed our chance and would need to leave the country; thankfully a week later we heard it did not need to be permanent.  But the holiday season last year really was a stressful time for us and although we had an unforgettable (and most likely unrepeatable) long time exploring and falling in love with Vancouver there really is NO place like home. 
Every little thing was thrilling.  Putting the lights up outside the house, moving furniture around so that the Christmas tree could be perfectly in the front window for everyone to see as they drove past, getting our ornaments out of the garage after not seeing them since the end of 2008.  It was all so much fun.
Our run up to Christmas was so fun too.  Being able to go to Glen's Office Christmas Party, having Hannah's Christmas party at school, enjoying holiday parties with friends... the general Christmas spirit.  It was so fun.  And of course the shopping and wrapping and build-up.  I truly felt so excited this year.

Because our church is so popular at Christmas time, they have 15 Christmas services.  The only one that worked for us (since we had the opportunity to be picky... I guess we could have made anything work) was Tuesday 23rd, so we got ourselves all dressed up and enjoyed a wonderful evening of carols and music and a great message.  It was WONDERFUL to be at our home church at Christmas time.  What a celebration of an amazing moment in history.  I was teary-eyed for sure.

Glen took some days off over the holidays too.  So we had some fun family days.  And then Christmas eve was our "big meal" of Christmas.  Mom outdid herself.  She decided to make cioppino.  If you want to taste San Francisco in a bowl... this would be it.  So delicious, so fresh and yummy, and so luxurious all at the same time.  It was the perfect Christmas Eve meal, especially after 2 Thanksgiving meals of turkey etc...  we just didn't want to do the turkey thing again.  :)  Thanks, Mom!

Christmas Day the kids were up fairly late, actually.  Ha!  But by 8am we were downstairs - what a sight!!!  It is always so fun watching the kids open Christmas presents when you know that you have found that perfect gift.  Before long batteries were in, and the noise level was up, and fun was being had by all!!  It was an at home day, and we had so much fun playing with new toys and just enjoying family time.