This is Home

It is Christmas week and we are all home on vacation.

Anna with her bright red cast and ruptured achilles tendon.

The boys with their exhuberance and absolute innocence.

Me with an eye on keeping things running smoothly as we take up this holiday week.

It is December 25th and I am finally winding down from a very busy few days.

Anna's mom, and brother Claes and family have been here to celebrate with us.

Our friends Beth, Carrie, and Hazel, Anders best friend were also here.

Christmas is nearly over.

Right now, the boys are asleep. 

Anna read the very first chapter of the first Harry Potter to them tonight.

I told chapter 6 from a story I am making up about an old grandfather

who gets adopted by a family just like ours.

The boys were happy when they fell asleep.

Exhausted as well.

I am unbelievably grateful for five more days off.

We all need it. 

We need the rest.

Snow is coming later this week.

8-14 inches I hear. 

Perfect.

The boys have 2 new red zippy sleds, numbered 1 and 3.

Anders and Kuba received some wonderful gifts this year;

a nice mix of games, lots of books, silly toys, clothes, and whimsical stuff.

I loved their felted chicken slippers the best. 

My personal favorite gifts were two beautiful new feathered birds for my tree,

and a brightly colored dala horse mug.

Anna loved her new down coat.

It is a magical mysterious holiday.

I feel absolutely aware of how lucky we are; how truly blessed we are.

This is love.  

This is home.