I didn't write yesterday because I was in a motel in Bloomington where we celebrated the holidays with our kids,  grandkids and other amazing relatives.  

Here's what I remember.  It was cold.  A squirrel was hunting for food among the bare branches of the winter trees.  Wind blowing.  Squirrel's fluffy tail waving in the wind.  

The sky was filled with black clouds.  You couldn't see any sunlight and I was concerned for our drive to B town.  Usually black clouds mean snow and weather.  Luke wasn't concerned.  We dragged our feet getting ready.  Maybe we just relaxed and followed our inner rhythm.  X avier knows that we don't come early.  It's kind of a family joke--called Willow time.  

When we did get on the road,  the sun came out.  I could see blue sky ahead of us and that's what happened.  Blue sky and clear roads all the way.  Starbucks was filled with travelers all excited for the coming holiday with family and friends.  

Our motel was fine.  Cold.  Luke was nice enough to let me warm up the room while we were gone for the evening.  He is very green.  

Rain's house was beautiful.  She loves to cook and entertain.  She and R laid out a beautiful snack table with all kinds of cheese and crackers,  veggies ,  dips --just lovely.  You could smell the delicious dinner cooking.  Rain's inlaws drove across the country to join us.  Bringing R's adorable sister--who was just engaged--an a pile of gifts that reached half way to the ceiling.  A festive,  fun atmosphere.  

R's dad is a lot like Luke--so that's fun.  

Sitting in the midst of family,  happy and smiling,  sharing stories and eating good food.  What more could you ask from Christmas eve.  Family is the blessing.  Kids are the blessing.  Violetta is brilliant.  So brilliant.  Helping her older brother to sound out words.  She is 20 months.  And he's very bright himself.  Very.  R's dad said that X was sounding out the word pineapple.  Violetta went pi pi pineapple.  These kids should be interesting to watch.  

Family is a true Christmas miracle.  I thank God for the blessing of family.