Christmas!

Pat Pat and Fuzzy arrived on the 23rd and we had a magical two days celebrating baby Jesus's birthday!  The forecast was 100% rain for several days, and we woke up on Christmas Eve to a most wonderful surprise (mommy's favorite Christmas gift) - sunny and 73 degrees!  We couldn't believe it!  Pat Pat & Fuzzy gave Mary and John their new bikes and we enjoyed a hilarious trip to Blossomwood School where bikes took the backseat to puddles.  It was a blast!  Fuzzy found a ladybug crawling up his leg in the back yard, and we were all reminded of Kitty, who we miss so much this time of year.  She was with us in spirit!

After a trip to Gigi's and exciting afternoon scurrying to get everything set up, we went to Rivertree for the 3 o'clock service. It was our first Christmas there and it was wonderful.  The service started with the song "Winter Snow" and ended in communion and Silent Night. The best part was hearing Mary sing "Hark the Herald" at the top of her lungs.  The lady beside me who I'd never seen at Rivertree was so touched that tears were streaming down her face.  This, of course, made me cry too.  Even Fuzzy cried (then and in Silent Night)! It was so fun to see our Church family on Christmas Eve. It was packed! We got a text from Sue saying she cried in Silent Night at church in Atlanta and then talked to Mo on the way to her service.  My first Christmas away from both sisters and it was emotional.  As I watch Mary and John (and Anna :) build Christmas memories as siblings, it makes me so appreciate the depth of memories I have with Molly and Susan.  Boy, did we miss them!

After the service, we headed to Big Spring Park and walked the tinsel trail and saw the ice melting on the ice skating rink as we watched a colorful and glorious sunset.  Then we sang Christmas carols on the back steps on the art museum.  Mary was captivated with the candles and talked about how Jesus is the light of the world.  We came home to the kids' Christmas dinner in front of the tree (a fun new tradition) and had our steak, twice baked potatoes, delicious salad, peppers and peppermint ice cream on the fancy stuff. We stayed up till 1:15. Whew!

Christmas was a rainy day and we stayed in our pjs till night time.  The green car and train table were a big hit and the morning was filled with glee and surprise and joy!  We took our time eating and unwrapping.  Fuzzy's comments on my new shoes made me laugh so hard I almost wet my pants (truly) - it was such a fun time seeing all the gifts. Pat Pat and Fuzzy enjoyed their new matching Christmas pjs  from Mr. C :). We sang happy birthday to Jesus at dinner with cupcakes and the Message version of Luke 2. Then we watched Connie sing Somewhere over the Rainbow about 100 times as Fuzzy cried. We ended the night with Ralphie and all slept in the same bed while it thundered all night. Crazy!

Pat Pat and Fuzzy departed on the 26th (after a great trip in the green car) and we were so sad to see them go.  Mary and John actually crawled in their suitcases.  A fun day trip to Athens and drive through the Botanical Gardens lights brought an end to our wonderful Christmas. We are so thankful for healthy children, wonderful parents, our family, friends, precious city that is so magical at Christmas, and most of all, we are thankful for Jesus. For the One who knits all of us together in love. He is our light and our hope. Glory to the Newborn King! Happy birthday baby Jesus!