It is not quite 5 pm on Christmas Eve. Mike and Brooke have just left to go up to the Bennett's. Buffy and Noah have just arrived here...the others are on the way. The house looks so Christmassy. This morning we had a fun...and lively breakfast with Meagan and Adam's families and Mike's XO from Iraq with his wife. Sausage, hash browns, scrambled eggs and french toast. Very yummy and fun!

I missed the Nog Run since I have come down with the local head cold that is going around. I figured that I would not tempt fate and go running in 28 degree weather. Very disappointed but I think that staying in was the wiser option for recovering quickly.

I just wanted all of you to know both here and elsewhere how much I love each one of you. I think Christmas is so much about families...as Christ has made it possible for us to be with our families eternally. Without Him coming to earth and atoning for our sins, eternal families would be impossible. I can't think of anyone I would rather associate with through the eternities than with all of my family. You each have an unique contribution to our family as a whole. What a blessing you are!

I'm thinking so much of Anne and Peter in Fresno, Marnie in London and Tom and Tracey in Okinawa. I hope your Christmas is wonderful!!!

Love, Mom

Who: Anyone that knows me

What: 5K run with some good egg nog in your belly

Time: 0700

Date: Christmas Eve '09

Location: Vancouver, Marine Park

Forecast: 30 degrees, 10 mph winds, fog

We love you Hayden, thank you for being such a good kid. We could not ask for a better big brother.