Christmas Day

Okay... I know Christmas Day was three days ago, but we've been busy driving up and down the east coast. You'll hear more about that soon. Time for catch up!

Thanks Grammy for the cake!

It was a quiet, peaceful and happy day at our house on the 25th. A celebration of Jesus' birthday and time together as a family. I was given the treat of sleeping in until 7, a rarity! The boys were patient... possibly because Irina likes to sleep in too and she didn't realize the presents awaiting her downstairs. We woke her at 8 and went downstairs. After Darin read the Christmas story from Luke 2, we began opening presents. This year, each kid received three gifts: something to read, something to wear and something to play with.

We gave Ira the Jesus Storybook Bible in Russian, a pretty pink dress with accessories and a box full of crafts, also including a photo album. I had read that she would possibly not know how to react to gifts and not have been taught to be gracious, but that was not true. She was very thankful and told us so. So sweet! She loved all of her gifts, but spent the most time looking at her photo album. I had already filled 76 of the slots with the best photos from our time together. I am so touched by how much she delights in looking at these photos over and over.

We enjoyed a delicious late breakfast and then spent the rest of the day playing, riding bikes, building legos, creating art masterpieces and packing for our trip. My heart is so full and thankful for the opportunity to have Irina with us on Christmas morning. Wish I could know what her last 8 Christmas mornings were like! Really thankful that the boys have been so great about sharing their Mom and Dad this Christmas. I'd say that is a great gift for them to give Jesus for His birthday.