Families and Christmas

What a lovely week.

There is nothing like seeing those you love.

 This week I've seen many of those that I hold near and dear.

We started the week having dinner with Jim's sisters and and husbands,

 staying up way too late visiting, laughing and catching up.

We don't get together enough.

This is the group that visits Mexico, thanks to Tam and Kevin,

so it's nice to hear about the people down there that we have come to know and love.

Next I got to go and see my first Christmas program in years.

 Since the older grandchildren moved away, it's been a long time.

We got to visit Jake's school and see him perform.

Then he and Sam visited with Santa (although Sam didn't seem all that thrilled).

Moving along,

 last night was our first annual cousins Christmas party,

hosted by Marta.

A tradition I hope we will continue forever.

We ate and laughed and stayed up into the wee hours of the morning,

but well worth the lack of sleep when surrounded by these fun girls.

The power went out halfway through the evening,

 so we wrapped up in quilts and opened presents and reminisced by candlelight.

 I almost felt young again!

 The best Christmas's are when the hustle and bustle stops

 (I have to stop it)

 and enjoy the blessing of friends and family.

 Actually the best time of any season is stopping and enjoying the moment,

 those we love,

 and remembering all that is given.

I plan on being Merry this Christmas,

 hope you have a merry merry too!