Christmas Miracle(S)!

I'd say it was pretty much a miracle that we were even home for Christmas at all! We're both still floored that we're here -- really really here for Christmas this year.

But so many exciting things have happened since we got back to the States: so many ups, downs, and full-out miracles that I had to share.

Firstly, of course, was Richard and Mary's wedding - without which we would not have been home for the holidays! What an absolutely wonderful excuse to come back; "You mean we get to come see our families for the holidays AND get to participate in this really important day for the family!?" .... win win, as far as we were concerned.

The handsome couple

It really meant the world to us that we were able to see their nuptials in person. Better still was all the time we had before and after the wedding to mix and mingle with Mary's family. Mary and Richard just seemed so happy together ... we can already tell that she'll be a great addition to the family*

I had a hard time choosing which pictures I should post from the wedding ... but figured the ones showing how much everyone was enjoying themselves would be the best. And the winners from "the-most-fun-at-a-reception" are our nephews Joseph and William ... give 'em a hand folks!

"Look, Mom, I'm having a great time!"

The second Christmas miracle was all the fun of Christmas morning, including a visit from Santa Claus!

BELIEVE!

The toys that made the biggest splash this year were two ROBOT DINOSAURS that could roar, stomp and walk by themselves. Seriously cool!**


And who could forget the greatest Christmas miracle of all... SNOW ON CHRISTMAS!

Got you Daddy!

I'm dreaming of a White Christmas...

But ... umm.... wait a sec. Weren't we flying to NJ that afternoon?

Ooops!

Which brings me to our final Christmas miracle... despite being delayed 2 hours and Allen having the beginnings of strep throat (poor baby!) ... We made it to NJ safe and sound. In fact, we were pleasantly surprised by all the workers at the Asheville airport - despite the delays and the poor weather everyone was cheerful and doing their best to get everyone home for Christmas***

So I hope that wherever you were, that your Christmas was as happily surprising as ours was!

Merry Christmas, Everybody!
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*Nice pick, Rich!
** Some of you may be aware of my completely normal obsession with robots
*** Maybe the last real miracle was getting out of the airport without seeing tempers flair or fights break out