Blessings Abound!

We're simply having a wonderful Christmas time. Although we are, of course, a bit blue to be so far away from family and friends, we are really enjoying the ease and comfort of hanging out with "just us," especially since we've all been a bit under the weather. Today, thankfully, everyone seems to be feeling a little better.

The children have been so excited about the simplest things, which is such fun for us to see. Yesterday afternoon we went to a children's carol service at St. David's Church of Wales, then we came home and cooked a lovely meal just for us. We shared some of the things our family across the sea had written for us and enjoyed a peaceful, candlelit moment...until Sophie finally shouted, "Can we open some presents now!!??" Funny enough, the kids, especially Emma, were most excited for us to open the presents they had bought or made for us. Emma has been in agony all week waiting for me to open her gifts. We finally agreed we'd open all of the family presents on Christmas eve, which cooled her jets a little.

All of us had lots of fun opening gifts. We were completely impressed when George opened up a harmonica sent to him by Mimi, and he instantly serenaded us with "Jingle Bells" and "Ode to Joy." Sophie fell in love with the baby brown bear given to her by Paw Paw. She even snubbed her faithful Lambie at bedtime and gave brown bear the place of honor in the crook of her arm! Sophie was also really impressed with the Hugo Boss "boy perfume" that I gave George. It is rather nice. George took one whiff of himself and said to me, "I smell so good, I wish I was you." The biggest reaction of the evening came when Emma opened a rock tumbler from her dad. Her body left the floor as she cheered and launched herself toward George, throwing her arms around his neck. Ever since she collected an interesting assortment of rocks in Cyprus, she has wanted a rock tumbler. Dad didn't forget!

Later, we tracked Santa on the NORAD satellite and saw that he wasn't too far off. "Can we just go to bed already!!???" Sophie shouted. So, we did, after putting out some brownies for santa (as well as apples and carrots for the reindeer). We also read a bedtime story written by our very own Paw Paw called "Slim Jim and the Chiristmas Plan." The kids gave it two thumbs up.

Today has been really fun and laid back as well. Santa was really generous to the girls, as usual. I was hoping George would have the turkey in the oven by now, but dragging him away from Emma's new "Littlest Pet Shop" game for the Wii has been harder than expected. Sophie has been enjoying the pirate treasure chest brought by Santa as well as her new Sylvanian family car (complete with 2 rear-facing baby seats). I am enjoying the fact that it is a super sunny day in Wales. I think I will have to head out for a winter walk shortly and recharge my solar batteries. Happy Christmas to all!!