CHRISTMAS EVE

Each year, our Christmas Eve is spent with my parents and brother and his family. For me, it's Christmas back home! This year was made especially special with the addition of Malia to our family. Yes, we're finally celebrating Christmas with our Malia!

And look at this precious girl! There's no greater Christmas gift for our family!

Here she is enjoying a first glimpse at one of her new books ...

And, of course, what greater present for a child than ... a box!

My family began a tradition back when my brother and I were young. My parents would get us a "big" gift ... one that we really wanted and usually one of the more expensive presents of the year. My Dad, the clever man, would come up with silly rhyming clues. The first clue would be in an envelope hidden in the Christmas tree, and would begin a fun parade around the house looking for clue after clue that would eventually lead us to our special present. But, as we parents know, we tend to pass the torch of excitement to our children. Thus, the grandkids are now the ones to receive their own "big" gift each Christmas. Here is Spencer reading his first clue ...

Here he is at the end of his hunt ...


Here he is with his "big" gift ...


And one more picture with the grandparents ...

Spencer also received a drawing kit with some special pencils and other cool drawing stuff. Anyone who knows Spencer knows his passion for drawing. If you don't, just come on over when he's supposed to be cleaning his room. He's often caught on his bed drawing up another character.

And, here's our precious gift, Malia, under the Christmas tree ...