Well Christmas came even though I felt I was not prepared for it. I felt like I could use another week in order to get all the things done I wanted to do. Mind you I feel like that every year and Christmas arrives as usual.
The Saturday before Christmas we went to Cochrane to spend the day with Griff's daughter Ann Marie and her five children. Her husband is currently in Abu Dhabi on a work contract. His adventures can be followed on http://offtotheemirates.blogspot.com/ . It was fun watching the children open their presents and then having time to play with them. We are looking forward to visiting with Griff's other children and grandchildren when they come here on the 27th.My children were here for Christmas day with Scott staying here for the week and Leila and Ryan staying at his parents home and coming here for gift opening and Christmas dinner. We managed to seat 12 people for Christmas dinner and had an enjoyable evening with the kids, my mom, my sister and her family. Today we spent some time visiting with my brothers and their families. We were able to see all the nieces and nephews as they were all home for the holiday.
In amongst preparing for Christmas we have also been packing bags to take with us when we leave for the British Virgin Islands, packing up the household to put into storage and trying to find renters for the acreage. Looking back over the past month I guess we have accomplished a lot.
As I have told friends and family, the closer our trip comes the more it seems to be unreal to me. There are some days I can't believe we are actually going and other days I feel that the trip is what we are meant to do. I guess ambivalence is normal when making such major changes in your life.
