What a wonderful Christmas we have had!

From 2008-12 (Dec)

There were so many highlights to this day; it is going to be hard to list them all. Perhaps the best thing to do is go in chronological order.

We woke up before the kids, but David got up soon after. Abby woke up just after Pam and I finished our showers. For the past several years, it has been a Christmas morning tradition that we open one gift each plus our stockings at home, then converge on Pam’s sister’s house for breakfast and the main event. We have a nice meal, then open all the presents and enjoy each other’s fun as the gifts are revealed. Once the excitement is over, we haul the gifts back home, play a while, and then return to Pam’s sister’s house for another meal with even more family members. It is always a wonderful time.

This year, we had an extra special treat. Riley, our nephew who is nearly finished with culinary school, offered to prepare our meals. He made us breakfast and supper. It was the most amazing two meals we have ever had the privilege of consuming. Have a look at the menu:

This was all of Riley’s creation and we were very impressed with his details and organization. He never looked overwhelmed. If anything, he looked like he was really enjoying himself. It was like he was “in a zone” and master of his world. Every single thing he prepared tasted fabulous. Congratulations, Riley. It was perfect! He will be going off to Chicago next month to do his internship with a fancy restaurant up there. Watch out Chicago. Here comes one heck of a Texas cook!

From 2008-12 (Dec)

From 2008-12 (Dec)

The kids really liked their Christmas gifts this year, but David may have gotten overwhelmed by all the excitement. He had trouble focusing on his toys and preferred to get into everything. He was hard to keep up with today, but he was being very sweet. Abby got overwhelmed by all the new exciting things to play with as well. She tried out several of her new toys today and was disappointed when she had to go to bed. There’s always tomorrow, though.

Pam spoiled me rotten. I gave her a list of things as suggested gift ideas and I think she made sure I got everything on the list. I know she let some other family members get a few things from my list as well. Thanks to everyone. Pam got lots of nice things, too. It has been a wonderful Christmas. Too bad I have to return to work tomorrow.