And So This Is Christmas ...

This year we're experiencing Christmas through pictures and the phone. Thank goodness (once again) for technology that helps to bridge the miles and keep those we love closer than we'd otherwise be.

Yesterday (Christmas Eve) was a fun day for Dave and I. We made it fun. We knew it was going to be hard to be away from everyone so we set about creating a day we would look back on and smile. And I must say -- we succeeded!

We got up early and headed to Wegmans. Yes -- Wegmans of all places. The one place you avoid at all costs on December 24th! We had a list (but thankfully, it wasn't a long one!) but we started out having breakfast. We dropped by the breakfast counter and bought breakfast sandwiches and coffee (tea for me.) We snagged a table and settled in for a nice, RELAXED hour of conversation. It was so nice. I'm still smiling as I think back on it.

We then went about getting all the things on our list -- and a few extras! We found some very nice stockings (we don't have any and vowed that NEXT YEAR we would be sure to get some) for $1. Yes, only $1 each. We bought 4!

The lines were actually not bad and we were out of Wegs in a jiffy.

We then made one last trip to Toys R Us (Babies R Us) and found a few additional things for Delilah. No lines, and we found exactly what we were looking for. Can't ask for any better.

On to the car wash. Elphie was looking rather dirty and we decided to treat her to a good scrub. She now is dark and shiny, ready to make the trip to Rochester on Monday.

Once home we got busy. Dave did some wrapping and I did some baking -- Walnut Squares and Congo Bars. I also mixed up a Cheeseball and some Genoa Rolls for our evening of fun.

During the afternoon we heard from Bree and she sent us pictures of what was happening in Rochester.  There was a visit to see the Grandmas and spread a little holiday cheer!

Will with the Pirate Gingerbread Man he made for Great Grandma Mo

Delilah is wide awake and ready to visit!

Hanging with Great Grandma Glennys

Aunt Renee holding Dee while visiting Great Grandma Mo

Doesn't Delilah make a beautiful present? 

Exhausted after all the fun. Still have church and Christmas with
Grandma and Grandpa Horton before it's time for Santa to come!

Will is still raring to go! Such a sweetheart. 

Dave and I enjoyed a fun evening watching "Cowboys And Aliens" -- a gift  from Dave. We had snacks for dinner and, while we missed everyone, we were thankful to be together. It helps knowing that we'll be making the trip in to see everyone in a couple days!

Christmas Day!

We slept in and since I was up before Dave, I finished up some wrapping and a scarf I have been making. We started to receive some pictures over the phone letting us know that Will and Dee were excited that Santa had made a visit.

Santa came!

First a picture -- then it's time to find the stockings!

Dee found her stocking!

Will opening presents.

Dee and her Cabbage Patch Doll!

As the day went on we got to talk with Mom (Glennys), Bree, Daniel and Meghan, and Jessica. We're hoping that we might still have a chance to Skype but I'm thinking the kids are about worn out. Will maybe just have to wait and see them in person!

We're leaving for Rochester tomorrow after I get home from work. We have lots of stops to make while we're in town but more than anything, we are just hoping to enjoy happy moments with our moms, children and especially our grandchildren.

Merry Christmas 2011! It's been wonderful!

It's Coming On Christmas ...

"they're cutting down trees. They're putting up reindeer and singing songs of joy and peace. Oh I wish I had a river I could skate away on ..."

One of my favorite Christmas songs. Kind of sad though, and I must admit, I'm feeling kind of blue this Christmas. We've yet to decorate the house, our shopping is only partially done, we're not even sure yet if we'll be able to make it to Rochester over the holidays ... so it's all a little depressing.

So I'm hoping that the weekend brings with it some holiday cheer -- with a tree up in the loft and holly on the mantel. Maybe we'll be able to finish up the shopping and find a holiday craft show or Christmas concert to attend. At least Green Bay is going to be televised on Sunday afternoon -- I could pick up some Christmas cards and work on getting them addressed and in the mail during the game. And perhaps putting together a Christmas playlist for the iPod will brighten my spirits.

Thanksgiving was tough. Christmas seems like it's going to be even more so ... I miss the family and being there to celebrate this season with Will and Delilah. Crossing my fingers we'll be able to make a trip in to see them.

Dee Does Peek-A-Boo!

Jess sent us a video tonight that is melting our hearts. Where has the time gone? Our sweet little Dee is actually playing Peek-A-Boo! She is just too sweet, too precious, too adorable. We can't wait to see her in a couple weeks.

Here she is!