When Christmas Comes To Town

Kempy--

You are on the road to the cabin with Grams and Papa.  The house is a maze of toys and boxes. Daddy and I are back to work after the Christmas Holiday.  We had a blessed Christmas season.

I am so thankful that we are all healthy and able to enjoy the twinkling treasures of the season--from Christmas lights to Christ in a manger, we have been fortunate to be among family and friends.

There was one snow day, early in December.  It was a Saturday and Daddy had to work so we decorated sugar cookies and ventured out into the snow just a tiny bit.   You helped with Christmas Tree decorating and have enjoyed colored lights in your room.
 

We experienced your first Christmas Program at school--Mommy, Daddy, Beba, and Papa Tate were all in attendance to witness your musical performance.  My favorite part was seeing you turn to your friend beside you and say, "that's my daddy!" I've also loved being serenaded with "When Christmas Comes to Town" in the car ever since.


Our first presents were exchanged with Auntie Whitney, she and her parents spoil you every year and you are enjoying your gifts.

Once out of school for break we enjoyed a few mini-adventures last week.  On Thursday, we went to the Taubman and played for a few hours.  On Friday, we went to the zoo and enjoyed the quiet while visiting the animals.
 

Christmas with the Tate's was on Saturday this year, which we are so appreciative of, to be able to see the entire family even though it was not Christmas day.  The adults enjoyed delicious food while your entire being was wrapped up in the opening of gifts. I am so sad that you refused a family photo...maybe next year.

We all made out like bandits, but your Paw Patrol Boat was certainly the biggest hit.  You enjoyed playing with Becca, until she knocked you down and stole your cookie in the front yard.  What can I say, I love Beba's Oatmeal Scotchies too.
 

Christmas Eve found Mommy at work in both morning and evening but we squeezed some family time in the middle.  I hope you will come to enjoy the tradition of new PJs and a book on Christmas Eve... this year you were not so fond of opening a package that did not contain toys.

Santa came on Christmas Eve, after we were long asleep.  He left only crumbs of your cookies and Rudolph gobbled up his carrots... but they left you a thank you note and candy canes in return.  So excited was Santa to fill your couch with toys, he left a trail of magic North Pole Snow and a perfect foot print at the fireplace!  Daddy and I loved opening the wreath you made us at school and Daddy appreciated his handcrafted Soup Bowl we made for him.  We constructed your new Lego kit before breakfast. We sang Christmas Songs together in the car for about 40 minutes on the way to New Market, before you and Daddy both passed out for Christmas morning naps.


We spent much of Christmas Day with the Mitchell's.  You made Aunt Meredith play tag all over the house and enjoyed the wrapping paper ball fights after opening gifts.  You were really good at helping us with our clues and finding hidden "golden tickets" that Papa Bass left for us.  There was great joy in digging through your stocking and you've been carrying your Paw Patrol Plane all over the place. Once again, we made out like bandits, and are blessed by the love and generosity of our families.

One day you will come to know that the real gift is the one God gave us so long ago.  And you will recognize the truest blessing of Christmas is to be surrounded by people you love, and doing kind things for family and friends.  The dazzling lights, the ribbons and bows, are just trimmings that add sparkle to what should always shine--love.

Speaking of love, we sure do love you, a whole lot.

Love,
Mama