MERRY CHRISTMAS
2014
This Christmas was Carlie Jane's second and Donny's first. Carlie
really seemed to understand this year that there was a surprise under
the wrapping paper and Donny understood there was a lot of crinkley
paper on the floor. We enjoyed sharing Christmas Eve and Christmas
afternoon with John's family.
On Christmas Eve there was an
arrival of another Bryan cousin, Katie Noel Bryan, to Steve and Emily.
They are in Atlanta and we aren't able to see little Katie but have
enjoyed pictures.
On Christmas Eve we had a family gift exchange
and watched "A Christmas Carol" together. The babies were all little over tired since we have been
so busy recently. A late night Christmas Eve made them tired Christmas
morning. We shared a pancake breakfast, complete with Maine maple syrup
Dad and Mum made and sent to us in the spring, and, after reading the
Christmas story, we opened the tree and then the stockings. I know it
was a little backwards but I was hoping Donny would wake up and they
could open stockings together. He slept through the tree gifts and had
to open his after he woke up. The stockings Mrs Wardwell knitted for the
babies looked so beautiful hanging on the mantel. I still marvel at the
perfect work and detail that was put into them.
Thank you so much
to all the friends and family who mailed gifts to us. We really
appreciate all the effort to keep us close over Christmas when I miss
you all more then ever. It means so much!
After the gifts the
babies and John took a nap for a few hours and after they woke up we
went over to Dad and Mum Bryan's for dinner and the evening. Carlie and
John went on a long walk together in the evening. It was chilly and when
they returned John had Carlie zipped up into his coat with him.
It was a wonderful day with many great memories. I can't wait until next December! Happy New Year!
