Christmas 2007

A story in pictures!

Roosevelt wanted to visit his sisters and family in New Orleans, so we had agreed to take the kids to Nebraska with us to visit family.

The kids were excited as we picked them up and headed north on Interstate 35.  The new DVD player soon proved invaluable as the 14 hour car ride began.  By 11:00pm we had made it to Oklahoma City.  Staying in a motel was truly exciting!

Friday noon we stopped in Salina, Kansas for lunch at McDonalds and some badly needed exercise in the Playscape.  There was just enough wet snow on the ground that we could have our first "ball fight with snow" as Annie put it.  The look on Charlie's face was priceless when I threw the first handful of snow at him.  First he thought he should be mad, but it quickly changed to a mixture of surprise and delight.  When our hands were hurting from the cold, we climbed back into the van.

The kids did remarkably well on the long ride.  The last few hours brought the inevitable questions;  "how much longer" and "what time is it". 

As we pulled into Deb and Bryce's driveway (Randy's sister and brother-in-law), the hello's were short as the kids ran off into the snow.

             More "ball fights with snow" -

and a Snow Angel was first on Annie's agenda.

There were many new experiences over the next few days.  Saturday was Randy's mom's 90th birthday party.  Having a new "Grandma" seemed enticing, and meeting people at the nursing home was intriguing.

Then it was Family Christmas with Randy's brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews.  Many new friends were made in the kid's new "extended family".

Learning to play dominoes and having "family time" was a fun new experience. 

Marquel and Deb strategize over their next move.

By the end of the day there were hugs all around.

                                And everyone was tired out!

Sunday afternoon, it was time for more fun in the snow.  The girls thought I was crazy as I pulled several layers of pants out of the suitcase for each one to layer on. 

Deb saved the day by raiding the Lost and Found at school for snow boots and pants.

It was colder and the snow had formed a nice crust, just right for sledding!

Chip helped push.

Marquel won for going the furthest.

 Charlie was very brave, even after suffering a  "snow burn" on his face when he and Randy went flying off the saucer.

               Annie laughed and laughed.

Chip went "sledding" on his stomach.

Deb and Charlie go down the hill together. . .

      . . . wipeout!!

Thank you Deb - those memories are priceless.  Let's hope next Christmas in Nebraska there will be snow!

Christmas morning finally came. 

Marquel's Nutcracker was a reminder of a special time.  Angels Mardi and Gerry had taken the kids to see a comic version of the Nutcracker - what a special treat!  The kids had read the book and watched the ballet version of the Nutcracker in preparation for their big outing.

Charlie was thrilled with his new toys.

Annie helped Chip unwrap his packages - but in the end, a gift bag was just as much fun!

Annie and Marquel helped Deb set a long table for a big Christmas Dinner.  Randy's mom and Bryce's dad came from the nursing home, along with Bryce's brother and Deb's friend Cec.  Yet another fun, new experience for the kids.  After several more hours of sledding, it was time for Dominoes and some special time with a new friend. 

You have a new admirer, Cec!

Then it was time for the long ride home! 

Leaving the morning of the 26th, we drove by the home Randy grew up in near Pickrell, Nebraska.  The kids got to see the beautiful church he attended as a little boy.  Randy stopped to say "hello" to his dad, buried in the church cemetery and then a visit with Aunt Grace and cousins Jr. and Dianne.  Charlie got to drive Jr.'s big tractor!

Arriving back in San Antonio, the kids still had presents to open at home with their Father, and with our friends and neighbors. 

New Years Eve we watched fireworks from the neighbors deck, then the kids were invited for a slumber party which even included pillow fights! 

What lucky kids to have so many people who love them and care about them. 

Thank you SO MUCH to everyone who had a part in making this a special Christmas for "our kids".

You have helped create memories that will last for a lifetime.

You have filled their needs and even some of their wishes.

Our Angels this Christmas are too numerous to mention.  Please accept our sincere thanks!

We know that God has a very special plan for these kids - He has worked too hard to keep them here with us and everyone who loves them so much.

God bless each and every one of you!

Happy New Year!

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