A Bittersweet Christmas

As our family celebrates Christmas this year, there will be no way around thinking about the chair that will be empty. I have thought a lot about my dad in the last few weeks. About how he enjoyed helping Mom shop for all the grandkids during December and finding the best bargains in every store. He was notorious for waiting until the very last possible minute to buy the gifts that were just from him. Sometimes that made for some interesting presents for Mom! :)

One of my favorite ongoing memories of Dad at Christmastime is his famous "SAVE THE BOWS" followed by laughs everywhere and his putting all the bows he could find on his bald head. Heaven forbid we throw away a bow! We could use them for next year's gifts! :)

This year we will be doing things a little different and a little the same. We are going to spend part of our time together at a fancy hotel and do some special things together. Then we will go back to Grandmother's for our traditional gift opening time. Although Christmas will never be the same for us, we are looking forward to some special memories in 2007.

The blessing of family should never be taken for granted. It is truly a gift.

Pictures from Christmas 2006

Grandaddy helps Megan with her yo-yo

Grandaddy and Halle tell Brent something

Grandaddy opens his presents