A White Christmas!

Guess what? We actually had a white Christmas! It started to snow on Christmas Eve around 4pm. Jamison came running upstairs, excitedly screaming, "MeeMaw! It's snowing!" It snowed for several hours, blanketing everything in a bright puffy white. There's something about Christmas snow that feels so magical to me. The decorations seem prettier, the lights appear brighter and a silent peace falls over the land. That peace was dearly appreciated by the time we finished all of our preparations and fell into bed for a short winter's nap!

Christmas morning, my oldest daughter and her boyfriend, Dale, came over for a little breakfast while the grand babies opened gifts. The little ones were thrilled with all they received (and they made out like bandits, as usual) but it was so funny to see the gender difference in action. When Jamison opened clothing, he'd go "Cool shirt!" and immediately look for another gift that contained a toy. Abigail, the little fashionista diva, would open a gift of clothing, hold the item high in the air and squeal "clothes!", then hold them up against her body to be admired by all. Too funny!

Abigail surrounded by gifts and wrapping paper

That afternoon, we headed over to Maryland to my sister Laurie's house. She and her husband Henry really go all out to make a wonderful Christmas meal! They always serve turkey and prime rib and this year, added salmon with capers to the menu. There were all the usual side dishes, including their fabulous whipped sweet potatoes and sausage stuffing! I'm real particular about my stuffing and never thought I would care for the addition of sausage, but boy was I wrong! Everything was wonderful; the food and the conversation. My dad was there and I hadn't seen him in quite a while, so it was so, so good to get caught up!

Dinner-Brianna, Dale, Dad

Dinner-Abigail, Jamison, Shannon

After dinner and dessert (Jamison ate three pieces of apple pie!), we sat by their beautiful Christmas tree and the little ones opened a few more presents. My sister gave us a beautiful Christmas tree plate filled with home-made baked goods, some cow print measuring spoons and the cutest little cow salt and pepper shakers. While I've cut way back on my cow collection over the years, I do still welcome really adorable ones!

Abigail

Abigail and Aunt Laurie

 

Shannon, Abigail, Dad, Jamison

Aunt Laurie and Jamison

Oliver and Abigail

 

Brianna and Dale

Our drive home was quite enjoyable as we listened to Christmas music, admired the lights on all of the homes and the snow clinging to the trees like beautiful lace garments. We drove through town to see some of the decorations:

Town of Leesburg, VA Christmas Tree

Store window with moving ferris wheel and hot air balloons and elves

Store window with gorgeous Nativity

Life-sized Nativity in front of a church

It was a wonderful day which rejuvenated me, body, mind and soul!

The scene at my sister's the next morning:

Dad reading the paper with two doggie pals, before heading home

I hope that all enjoyed a Merry Christmas with family and friends! And now, off to the New Year!!!!

Hugs, Leena