The Annual Christmas Letter

It's that time of year again.....time for the annual Christmas letter.  Except that this year that letter never got written.  I did manage to get some Christmas cards in the mail, and a few even got a handwritten - although very brief - note.  I still have some Christmas gifts that need to be in the mail, so obviously those people will get gifts after Christmas.  Think of it as my way of prolonging the celebration!

I really love getting Christmas cards.  And those letters from family and friends that catch us up on what's been going on with them.  I really hate that I didn't get my letters done this year. But I just ran out of time (and energy, too, if I'm really honest!). So, since I didn't get that annual family letter written, here's the "blog version"!

We spent last Christmas in Columbia with Al's parents, and then traveled to Florida in February.  Al had meetings in West Palm and in Orlando, and in between we had a good visit with Brian, Emily and Christopher in the Tampa area. 

Christopher celebrated his fifth birthday this past year, and AJ turned six.  It's really hard to believe they are that old already!

We spent about half of our year back in Columbia with Al's parents.  We went down to stay with his mom while his dad had knee replacement and rehab.  We ended up being there much longer than anticipated after his mom's Alzheimer's diagnosis.  Living out of a suitcase, as well as dealing with Alzheimer's and other issues that are part of life with aging parents, made this a pretty stressful year for us.

We returned home in the fall and enjoyed the beauty of our favorite season in the mountains.  Thanksgiving was one of those "not normal" days that come when the nest is empty.......we ate Thanksgiving dinner at Cracker Barrel!  On the Monday after Thanksgiving, we boarded a plane and traveled to Israel.  That trip was definitely a highlight of our year!!  It was our second time to travel to Israel, and once again we had two amazing weeks as we walked where Jesus walked.

Our Christmas celebration got started this week when Brandon, Stephanie and AJ arrived.  Brian, Emily and Christopher will be here next week.  Winter arrived with a fury on Friday.....high winds, snow, and bitterly cold temperatures.....BRRR!!   

And so once again we come to the end of another year - a year that has been full of good times and God's blessings, in spite of the stressful circumstances we've experienced.  In this very special season we wish you every blessing as we celebrate the birth of Christ.  Merry CHRISTmas  and the happiest of new years!

There you have it.....a somewhat abbreviated version of the annual Christmas letter!  Wherever you are and however you plan to celebrate, that's my wish for you.....a very merry CHRISTmas and a healthy and happy new year!

"I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year." - Charles Dickens