December 25, 2007

Merry Christmas!! We have had a very blessed Christmas and hope you have as well. Sydnie awoke at her regular time - 6:40 - and the first thing she asked, "Did Daddy go to work today"? As excited as she was about Santa visiting, she didn't even think about it until Tim brought it up. At that point she was very sad because she didn't hear the jingle bells and knew Santa hadn't come. Her demeanor changed when she saw the plate of cookies almost empty! It took some coaxing to get her away from the cookies...she was greatly desiring to eat one first thing, but when she did walk away, she was very excited to see all the presents around the tree!! (Of course, there were too many to fit under the tree.)

As she opened, she often said with so much excitement, "I've been wanting this all my life"!! Thanks to grandparents, Nannie, aunts, uncles, and of course, Santa, she was very blessed with all she received, as were Tim and I. We were all overwhelmed by the number of gifts waiting to be opened. But before opening of the presents, Tim said a prayer to thank God for all we have received, not only today but all through the year. While the presents are wonderful fun, we really do want Syd to keep in mind the importance of giving, family, and other values that often go by the wayside in the hustle and bustle. She may not get it this year, but eventually she will, we hope.

Playing with Thomas!

"This package is hard to open. Santa sure did tape them up well!"

Here Annabelle, it's time to eat.

Aaah...let's take a nap, it's been a full morning.

We are sorry we can't see you in person, but know that we are thinking of you. May you have a wonderful holiday and enjoy your time together.

Christmas blessings,

The Covingtons