Christmas--wishes granted

Ian making fun of our new "toilet bike".  (He's been riding it more than anyone)

 Alicia and Isaac have been very focused on the weather for the past couple weeks.  Having snow on Christmas day is super important to them.  We've had some warm, dry weather for December this year.  I really wasn't counting on any snow even though the forcast did show snow arriving Christmas eve.  Well, we came out of the Catholic church at midnight on Christmas Eve (we went to the mass/organ recital) and sure enough, it was snowing.  It made Christmas that much better to look out that morning and have everything covered in white.

 I really enjoyed getting ready for Christmas this year.  We kind of had theme gifts for the kids.  Not really on purpose.  Just ended up that way.  Audrey had a hippie Christmas (banjo, VW wagon, hippie backpack etc.), Ian had a running/ Frisbee/music Christmas, Alicia got all of the bats and bat books she wanted, and Isaac's one item that didn't require a great deal of brain power was a Sunday tie.  Mario spoiled me and I mostly got him the usual---books and silver dollars for his collection.

Audrey's already got the banjo mostly figured out

 Ian wanted to wake up and watch the 2 Christmas videos put out by the church before we went upstairs to open presents.  It was a great idea and focused us a little more on why we were celebrating the day.

This gift was a great success with Ian

Alicia happy with her technical bat book

The AJ smile

 Of course our highlight was getting to talk to AJ.  Grandpa and Grandma Durrant came over to get in on this.  We had a few technical difficulties in the beginning but worked it out.  He seems very happy with his missionary life, loves the work, doesn't seem to miss us at all (which vexes me a little).  But I'd rather it be that way than have him crying with homesickness.  He hasn't gotten our package yet which makes me really sad.  I sure hope he gets it this week.