Christmas 2005 - Family, Travel, and some Magic Too!

The best present under the tree is our son, William Noel. He really is the truest symbol of Chrismas we've seen all year. Though he's completely oblivious to the meaning of sparkling lights on a faux tree or the endless playing of I'll be home for christmas; he does, however, respond to his parent's enthusiasm for the holiday season.

I'm sure he wondered what was up when his Dad wrestled the huge tree though the front door. If not then, he had to question the furniture rearrangement and hanging of over-sized red socks from the mantle. Never mind the staging of stone-faced Nutcracker soldiers on either side of the fireplace. His face said it all - almost as if he thought that he was witnessing some form of parental meltdown - if so, would there also be a sacrifice?

Our season began with a family gathering in Mississippi - the weather was turning cool and everyone was ready to put the hurricane drama to rest. We feasted on a mountain of food and enjoyed visiting with family. The boys tried their hand at long distance target shooting with mixed results. No one really cared if we hit anything - we just had a good time.

The following week, we decorated the tree, and began the evening ritual of lighting candles and listening to music on the I-Pod. Kathryn and I would barter for time on the laptop to shop for gifts. We purchased most all of our gifts online - talk about a stress-free experience. I almost took the experience for granted until I had to make a run to WalMart and Target for groceries. Those places were packed with people coming unglued. I'm forever sold on online shopping.

Time passed quickly as we prepared for David's work holiday party that we hosted at the clubhouse. On the heels of the party, we found ourselves packing for the Sedona trip.

Kathryn and I couldn't hardly stand the waiting any longer. On Sunday, the 11th, we each opened a gift under the premise that we needed these gifts for the trip. Kathryn gave me a set of Sony portable speakers for the I-Pod and I gave her flannel jammers. It turns out that we did need these for Sedona. It was below freezing each night and we listened to our favorite tunes while watching the sun set on the red rocks of Boynton Canyon.

The Sedona trip arrived suddenly and exceeded our every expectation. Look for our story in an upcoming post. Suffice it to say that neither of us wanted to return to home...except to pick up our son and return to the magic of the red rocks.

Our arrival home found William to be in the loving care of Uncle Noel and Aunt Terry. Terry and Noel were celebrating Christmas early with family. Their house was filled with smells of great food and sounds of children and adults having a great time. KC and I were surprised to walk in on the festivities - we hadn't expected a party. In fact, on the drive to the house, we were trying to remember what was in our refridgerator that could be thrown together for a quick meal. Fortunately, we ate until stuffed at the party.

The countdown to Christmas overpowered our impulse control. In an instant, we were exchanging gifts the weekend before the actual holiday. We had a great time - each of us thoughtfully presented the other with a series of wonderful gifts. Kathryn followed the theme of "traditions" while I mostly personalized presents from her wish-list.

We planned to celebrate the holiday with KC's parents but young Will developed RSV - a bronchial infection (yikes) - and we decided to ground our travel plans.

KC sprang into action and put together spectacular meals, including her infamous french toast and a steak dinner that makes you want to slap your grandma! We kept the fireplace lit and music played the entire day. Not counting the family nap, we simply enjoyed each other's company - talking about most anything that came to mind and cutting up in our usual way. This Christmas season is filled with so many great memories - the memory I'll cherish most is our day at home with family - I love you guys....infinity!

Merry Christmas.