Christmas 2015

Kind of a different type of family Christmas than we anticipated when we started this journey. But as always, our God is good and we thank Him for the opportunity to be together today, even if just for a short time. 

We start our day at home, puppy kisses, and presents under the tree. No time to chill, we got ready to go...not quite the kick back relaxing day we would plan, but we have a visit today and we are all excited! 

(Pig pile on daddy!) 

Side note: we do four gifts: a want, a need, a wear, and a read. Plus the stocking presents and a family gift. This wasn't a big hit last year, until it happened and then they were okay with it. This year it was known, accepted, and even appreciated! Such a great break from the crazy materialism we see around us...no judgement really, it's just not our style. We want/need to teach that the gift giving...or more precisely, getting, is a small part and not the focus of the day.

At the Chinese restaurant, our 2nd annual tradition, they were perplexed again that there were only three (we eat there too much!) which was again a sad recognition of not quite being all together. 

After lunch, with much excitement, we headed out of town for a visit! Yay!!! 

We were there, happy greetings! Altogether again, at last!! 

Presents, pictures, candy, games, puzzles, laughter, tears, and snuggles...over too soon. 

Time flew...Goodbye, see you soon...the heart wrenching parting. Then seeing kids that had no visitors or family for Christmas, was a tough pill to swallow. 

Although this is hard, we recognize that we have much for which to be thankful! It might not be what we anticipated, but God knew the directions our journey would take us in and we are grateful for His love, guidance, and provision. 

Home again we finish the day reading, coloring, cuddling dogs, checking social media, and praying that 2016 finds our family all together from start to finish.