First Snow of the season Christmas 2012

We had our first real snow of the season yesterday. I was able to get in some early pictures. I was fascinated with the natural black and white feel of the morning.

Estes kid Christmas

Had the best time watching the kids play board games and open up presents with each other. My heart was swollen and pulsing pretty loud in my chest when I realized how grown up my kids are. Lauren brought Adam with her and Comanche had Abby with him. All four were able to enjoy each other and I thought about all of the future holidays we would all spend together...and someday watch thier little ones.

Christmas 2012

Wow! Another year gone by. I suppose there is a lot to talk about but I can't guarantee this post will make any sense. I think I might just ramble, if it is all the same to you. I am still recovering from this nasty cough/sinus/flu thing. I don't know if it will ever go away and has me quite humbled. I have had plenty of time to rest and recoup, but that also leaves my mind unattended...which could be good or bad - depending. I was thinking about my brothers today. I think, naturally, this time of year I get a little melancholy and wish they lived closer. I miss being part of their lives (and the lives of their families). I truly do miss the banter, the constant reassurance, and the overall pleasantness of having them near. All three of my brothers are good, honest, God fearing men. They love thier families with a passion and spend time with each of them. Good quality time beats buying presents any day of the week. Or at least, that is how I see it. My mom is doing really well. She is over the moon for her new dog, Baxter. Every time we talk, she tells me something new or funny he has done. I am thrilled she has him as a companion and that he loves her unconditionally. She has needed that in her life for some time now. My own family is doing well. We love each other so much we have decided to share germs and now all of us have had a bout with whatever this is that is going around. Christmas is in just a couple of days so hopefully, we will all be recovered before then. I am sure we will be exhausted from the family get togethers and with any luck, we won't feel the need to share anyone else's germs to bring back home. We are doing something a little differently this year. We will still do the big Estes thing and we will still do Jeff's mom/dad thing. We will spend Christmas Eve with just our own little family unit. Jeff, myself, Lauren / Adam, Comanche / Abby will spend Christmas Eve at our house. I see a nice lunch and then board games or cards. I am super excited about it, but I still wonder how these beautiful children are old enough to have significant others. I love love love that they want to spend their time with us. Another really great thing is that Jeff and I are not working until after the new year. We get to spend some quality time together. Well, I am tired so I feel the need to retire to the bed and catch some zzzz's.