We're back home in TN from a wonderful holiday with family and friends, spending time with both sides of our family in NC and GA. We drove over to my parents' home in NC on the 24th, enjoying the Christmas music on the radio and the final build up to the big day. Christmas Eve was celebrated with the Allen side of the family at my Aunt Lydia's, complete with a home-cooked dinner from Grandma Allen and a big warm fire to open presents beside. Luke loved playing with his two little cousins, Delaney (5) and Morgan (soon to be 2). They were all so excited for Santa to come that night and for the fun of the morning to come.
On the 26th, we drove down to GA to see Ben's family who had gathered at the home in LaGrange. Lauren and her boyfriend Matt were there with Luke's Nonna and Bacca, all ready to make merry and prolong the Christmas season as long as possible. More good dinners, time to visit, and lovely gifts were exchanged. It was nice to all be in one place and to revisit favorites spots in town together, like the obligatory pilgrimage to Charlie Joseph's for "The World's Best Hot Dog." Many old friends and neighbors came by for a little party on Sunday night and it was great to see everyone and for them to see how Luke has grown. He loved all the excitement and having lots of eager playmates 'round the clock.
No one had to tell Luke what day it was when we awoke on the 25th. He sat straight up in bed, looked clearly ahead, and said breathlessly, "It's CHRISTMAS!" He raced down the hall to find presents galore and really savored opening each one this year. He's finally more interested in the gift than the wrap, but he took his time playing with nearly every toy before moving on to the next item. We celebrated on Christmas Day and evening with my mother's side of the family, the O'Dells, and had a nice time visiting, eating, and opening more gifts by the fire. All in all, a wonderful and very blessed Christmas indeed......but then there was more ahead!
On the 26th, we drove down to GA to see Ben's family who had gathered at the home in LaGrange. Lauren and her boyfriend Matt were there with Luke's Nonna and Bacca, all ready to make merry and prolong the Christmas season as long as possible. More good dinners, time to visit, and lovely gifts were exchanged. It was nice to all be in one place and to revisit favorites spots in town together, like the obligatory pilgrimage to Charlie Joseph's for "The World's Best Hot Dog." Many old friends and neighbors came by for a little party on Sunday night and it was great to see everyone and for them to see how Luke has grown. He loved all the excitement and having lots of eager playmates 'round the clock.
From GA, we went back to Murphy for New Year's Eve and my father's birthday. We all rang in a new year together and for all its upheaval and transition, we were none to sad to bid 2009 farewell. Here's to a better year for each of us and our country in 2010! We pray there is health, happiness, and renewed purpose ahead for us all.
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