What an Awesome Christmas Break

Okay, I know that the word "awesome" is way overused. But I can't help but feel a certain degree of awe as I reflect on the outrageous events of the past week. (check out my last post for some thoughts on the nature of reflection)

Our students have been gone since before mid-December, so my schedule has flexed to incorporate some stuff that has been on the "back-burner." Getting a Christmas tree, bringing boxes down from the attic, Christmas baking (Susi, not me) and some general re-arranging of our living conditions all set the stage for the arrival of our guests.

And then there was the snow. Our neigbor made a deal with Soren for some snow shoveling, so he and I were out there together every time 2 or more inches came down.

Next there was the trip to Seattle to pick up Carrie. We were worried that if we left it up to the shuttle, she might not make it. So I drove over on a Tuesday evening in our amazing Subaru (4wd with studded snow tires). There had been pass closures before I made the trip and there were others after I got home. When you're driving at night and there is snow falling, your headlights light up the big white flakes as they're coming down, and it's very distracting!

It was quite an adventure. And after collecting her from a very crowded airport (busiest travel day of the year?) we drove to a hostel near downtown. The next morning we drove back across the Pass on hard-packed snow. It was closed later that day.

We were glad to arrive safely at home, and to look out the window from our cozy living room. Cozy is a feeling, a mood, and an atmosphere. There's nothing quite like it. And when we're all here together, it's part of what we share.

While the older sisters were here, we made sure to take the boys sledding.

I even got Susi on the hill, and convinced her to get behind me on a sled.

Of course the celebration of Christmas must not be lost amidst the "holiday" acitivities. (I have a friend who likes to remind others that "holiday" comes from an original reference to "holy day.") For us celebrating the birth of Christ means a Christmas Eve service at our church, remembering to give thanks at home, and a Bible reading and prayer of thanks for the greatest gift before we open our presents.

We said goodbye to the kids this morning, sending them on their way, first to Seattle, then on to Cleveland and Maui. It was great spending time with them, a window of opportunity, even a "season within a season." And now our hearts are full of memories to cherish till we see them again.