Merry Christmas

After a nighttime blizzard in North Dakota, and sleepy giggles through Great Falls, Montana, (approximately hour number 21 in the Ford F-150) we arrived safely at my sister's home in Choteau. Cousin Calvin, as my sons like to call him, was standing by ready to help unload the pick-up and place presents under a freshly decorated Christmas tree. Nessie traveled like a trooper and was a little disconcerted to learn that the destination home had a resident dog, Hobbes the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. They're learning to get along, Nessie being a bit prickly and Hobbes very good natured about sharing his abode and his people.

This is our first time sharing Christmas with the Maples IN Montana. In past years it has always been my sister and her family that traveled. This was a new adventure for the Skov boys who can't recall a Christmas away from their own home.

We had a lovely Christmas Eve that included getting dressed up for church and singing Christmas carols by candle light. It was a lovely, peaceful service in a full and friendly church.

This morning we were up well before the sun and started in on Santa gifts and stockings before 7 am. Christmas with a seven-year-old, morning person was a significant departure from our well-trained boys who usually sleep in, even on Christmas Day. But they were cheerful and cooperative when Cousin Calvin woke them, pounding into our room and leaping on to Dale and me to wake us with a Merry Christmas pile.

Everyone received wonderful gifts; both surprises and coveted items. Now we get to eat and play for the rest of the day. This is the best!

I pray your are having a fun Christmas with family and friends, too.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!