Christmas Day

What a special day this turned out to be! Last night we had our tradition finger foods, watched a Christmas movie, and opened presents. It is our tradition that all the kids sleep in the living room by the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve. Kris and I retired to our room and watched a funny show while listening to the karaoke competition going on between our neighbors down the hill and our next door neighbor. At 1 am, it was still going.
We appreciated the chance to sleep in this morning! I had prepared some french toast strata, and Kris stuck it in the oven when we woke up. I had also found some hot chocolate packages, so the kids enjoyed that while Kris and I enjoyed our coffee. We talked to most of Kris' family. We will talk with some of mine tomorrow.
Then we had a wonderful little church service together. How incredible to see how God prepared for Christ's birth more than five hundred years earlier through the prophetic writings of Daniel, which were probably read and used by the wise men as they looked for the king!
We explored the treasures carefully tucked into our stockings. Thank you to our families for all the things they sent that made this time so special!!!
There was beautiful sunshine and a light breeze blowing all day, so the weather was totally comfortable! This afternoon the neighborhood children, aka the "carolers", came by and received the little goodie bags we had made up for them. Such a little thing and such delight on their faces!
We had prepared ahead of time for our Christmas meal, so it was just a matter of grilling the marinated meat, grilling the foil packages of veggies, cooking up the potatoes, and opening some cans of pickled treats! We don't get olives or pickles often here. What a completely delicious meal! It was only the third time this year we have had grilled food, so that was a HUGE treat.
We are just spending time together this evening enjoying each other's company! We are surrounded by so many blessings! I am engulfed by the love of my family and friends and most of all my Savior. What a way to spend Christmas!