My wish for you this Christmas is that you are as blessed as we are to be surrounded by family as we celebrate the birth of Christ. Although it has been wonderful to share this special time with our Canadian relatives, it has also been bittersweet for me to not be in the midst of my family in KY. It seems so weird to not be going to Aunt Jayne's home or travelling to Granny Dennis' house, or seeing the smiles on my parents' faces as they enjoy the sparkle in the twins' eyes. Still, I know this Christmas will be a vivid memory for the rest of our lives and for that, I am so thankful.
The day was rather calm in comparison to the hustle and bustle Christmas Eve usually brings back in KY. We took time to take care of a few last minute gifts and errand running. We enjoyed a late lunch at a small Mexican style cafe in town and I have to say that was the first time I had a chicken enchilada as my Christmas Eve meal! Grandma was gracious enough to serve an early dinner back at her home for just the five of us - clam chowder and chicken lasagna was on the menu tonight. But the icing on the cake was her famous "dough balls" that Ken had raved about for three years. I had never heard of it before - homemade yeast dough balls dropped in boiling water for three minutes. Then they are removed and placed in bowls where they are then adorned with soft butter and maple syrup. Yes, I know that probably sounds less than appetizing, but I've never met a bread I didn't like, and this was no exception.
Ken was in heaven - as you can see from the picture! We all enjoyed the Canadian treat, and I am now empowered to spoil Ken back in KY with this sweet escape. After dinner, we headed out to Ken's church for a candlelight Christmas Eve service. He was a local celebrity - everyone was so pleased to see him again and they were all so welcoming. The twins were on parade as the Williams' kids shared them with their friends. Friends couldn't believe it had been three years since Ken left this sweet little town, and the thought brought its own moment of reality to me as I took time to thank God for all He has done in our lives over that span of time.
After church, and begging from the twins to return, we were back at the Williams' home. I believe Zoe and Gabriel would stay there 24/7, but who could blame them? With seven built-in play mates and a loving and always exciting environment, I can't imagine anyone not feeling completely at home in their house. Each child opened one gift under the tree, including Zoe and Gabriel. They were so excited to discover that their cousins had gotten them each their own little hockey stick so they could continue the tradition of indoor hockey games that have become a normal part of every visit to the farm - lucky me! I was truly the luckiest of all, though, after looking out the front door to witness the most beautiful falling snow I believe I have ever seen. It was the kind that fell with purpose in large wet clump- like formations, straight out of a movie. Everyone was entertained by my child-like reaction, but if you know me, you know how much I adore snow on Christmas. And it sounds like I didn't need to come to Canada this year after all to have that wish granted - I hope everyone back home enjoyed your own winter wonderland.
We headed back to grandma's house with Christmas music filling the car and Ken and I smiling at the memories we are making. With everyone snuggled in, we bid Christmas Eve farewell and anticipated a blessed day tomorrow.
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