A Howe Christmas

Harrison had his Preschool Christmas Program just a couple of days before Christmas. We were so excited to hear him sing the songs he had been practicing for so long and to be a part of his first 'school program.' We had the camera ready, the video camera rolling - proud parents to be sure. He did smile for about the first two minutes, sang 'I'm a V.I.P. in my family,' and then it went downhill. He frowned, sat in silence, took off his Santa Hat, took off his V.I.P. necklace, picked his nose, and finally left the stage all together to come and stand with us. He said he didn't know any of the words to the songs when I asked him why he didn't sing. And then he sang them all the way home in the car.

We spent Christmas Eve with the Garner Family - which ended with two out of three boys in tears. Harrison gave Jackson something he already had, and Jackson gave Harrison something he already had - all in all an unsuccessful gift exchange between the boys. It was hard not to laugh at how excited they were to give each other gifts and then witness TOTAL disappointment when they were actually opened. But the night was full of great food and even better company - and I am sure the boys have forgotten the botched gift exchange completely.

Christmas really is magical with children. Harrison couldn't have been any cuter during the build up to the big day and on Christmas itself. He couldn't speak when he saw his Thomas Trains and was overjoyed at FINALLY having a "kid kitchen." We spent the morning opening gifts and playing with everything new and exciting. Ava napped, Jordan assembled his new bike and gave Harrison the inaugural ride while I prepared Christmas Dinner. Colleen and Ernie joined us for the afternoon - and the feast was enjoyed by all. A beautiful Christmas.