Christmas 2008

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government will be upon his shoulder,
and his name will be called
"Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
upon the throne of David, and over his kingdom,
to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and for evermore.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

(Isaiah 9:6-7, RSV)

The boys awoke at a reasonable hour, and were fairly patient before opening presents.
We first had to brew some Christmas Blend coffee, and then read from the Gospel of John (and of course they totally got the message that the presents weren't what was really important this morning -- uh huh).

To the Meskuns, your intermodal shipping crane was a big hit (and that's Ian's "Cheeeeese" face, not a sad face):

Here are the boys with presents from Uncle Mark, Aunt Carrie and the Ludovico kids (and thank you Elizabeth for the very sweet note with your school picture!):

Later today we have visitors from Clan Wallis, and rumor has it some family heirlooms will be arriving to be passed on to the boys.