Christmas Eve

We celebrate Christmas on the morning of the 24^th with our daughters before heading off to celebrate the big day with the extended family. In the morning the coffee is made and last minute wrapping happens. Wood is put on the fire. The dog gets walked in the field behind the house and the cold air wakes us both up.

We talk a awhile then Paula wakes up the kids.

Slowly they straggle up. We sit around the lit tree and open gifts. We laugh and tell one story or another. We eat chocolate.

We try things on.

Sarah and I make brunch and the four of us sit in the fair afternoon eating.

Calm.

Happy time together with the people I love most on this Earth.

I am thankful for this time together.

I am so fortunate for this.

I am thankful for family back in the west and hope they are having a wonderful Christmas.  I miss them.

I am thankful for a great Christmas dinner.

and… for so much more…