Christmas can OFFICIALLY begin!

1989. Rachel was 7, Mary Beth was 3 and Greg was about 18 months. Too cute for sure.

When I look back on their childhood, the holidays are the times that I miss those little ones the most. The excitement that they feel over every little thing was fun for me too. Even visiting Santa at the mall would get them going!

Last night was one of those rare occasions that we had them all together. Rare now that Rachel lives out in New Hampshire. Yes, I know I have whined about this before....its so hard but yet she's so happy....so I just whine sometimes. Their flight arrived from Boston and Steve and I picked them up at XNA. Then we drove to Fayetteville and met Mary Beth and Greg at Noodles Restaurant for a yummy dinner. (amazing how FULL you get eating pasta!) Jon is still not feeling well so he wasn't able to join us this time. All of us drove down to the square in Fayetteville's downtown area to walk around and see their light display. Beautiful!

This was the first time for Rachel and Chris to see the new house since we had moved in. Rachel had seen it while the previous owner was still living here. Quite different now, for sure. They seemed to love it.

I'm looking forward to spending time this week with my three and their others. With Rachel home and Mary Beth, Jon and Greg coming in tonight, I declare that Christmas can officially begin!!

I can't wait for the stories that I will have to write on the guys' fishing trip they have planned for Wednesday. It's part of our Christmas gift to them. They are going on a guided fishing trip to Beaver Lake, on the Holiday Island side all day Wednesday. Supposed to be raining. Fun.

The girls and I are going shopping for the day! Now THAT sounds like FUN!!!!!

My parents are planning to come down Christmas Eve, if weather permits. We won't get to see Steve's family this Christmas, which I hate. We just couldn't work it into his time off. As a mother, she likely feels like I do about wanting all of her kids home.

So today holds finishing up more treatment plans to turn in and getting an MRI this morning for my back/hip thing. Then, we have some baking and gift wrapping to get to.

I can't wait!