Christmas came and went, almost in the blink of an eye! It started the night before up here, with a forecast for a Christmas Day Snow Storm.
Jack and I got up, peered out the window to find a heavy dropping of snow on the ground and on the driveway! We had loaded up the car the night before, and so we ate a nice breakfast with German Stollen Bread, and then dressed in our Christmas finery and tossed on an extra blanket, shovel and gloves, and headed out to drive the 73 miles to my daughter’s home in southern New Hampshire.
It took us well over two hours to make a one hour and fifteen minute trip! The first roads we drove, routes 104 and 95 south, had not even been plowed! Fortunately, our Highlander is really good in the snow and Jack is an excellent driver! Once we got south of Concord, (the Capital of New Hampshire), the roads had been plowed and we didn’t have too much trouble.
When we arrived, Matt was snow blowing their drive, and so we were able to pull right up to the house. Good thing, as our car was loaded with presents and food!
The tree was laden with gifts and before we knew it, the kids and adults were all tearing into their gifts. It was a wonderful magical time.
This year, I made Savannah an afghan. She opened that first and came running to me, with the blanket wrapped around her, telling me how much she loved it!
Quinn was busy tearing into his gifts. He acts so grown up, that several times we remarked that it is hard to believe he is not yet two!
The next hour or so was organized chaos as both kids and adults alike, opened their gifts and drank Christmas cheer! Savi opened her American Girl doll and clothes and of course, being the girlie girl she is, fell in love. She has renamed Willa, Leah!
Quinn got Little People Trucks and cars as well as a Cars III Lightening McQueen! His favorite! He also got a Bolt stuffed animal and he knew who that was and kept saying Bolt, Bolt, Bolt!
Before we knew it, and we had filled three trash cans and two trash bags with wrapping, the presents were opened and we all sat back to enjoy our presents.
My most unbelievable and best present was a gorgeous, navy blue ladies COACH handbag! I have seen COACH bags in my day, but never owned one. This year, my daughter decided it was time that I did! It is gorgeous!
Then Mandy and I got into the kitchen to cook the dinner. She did all the work, and I was simply the table setter and back up. We had Ham and Cod, and Shrimp with mashed potatoes, green beans and my carrot casserole, which Savannah wasn’t sure she would like, but it turned out she did! Oh and I made yeast rolls, but next time I will cook them about 5 minutes longer!
Dessert was apple pie and ice cream, and then we set about watching the kids play until Quinn climbed into his Mommy’s lap and fell asleep!
It was this picture that made me realize that Quinn really is still a baby, even though he does his best to act like a grown up child like his sister.
There was so much love there yesterday and I feel very grateful to have all of my family. It truly was Merry Christmas!