I just dropped four family members at Boston’s Logan airport after five full days together. It was such a gift, and I’m trying to treasure and ponder it all in my heart, since as an elder at my church said on Christmas Eve, “These times are few and far between.” He also had the gift of his whole family home at Christmas, and he was trying to do the same.

We added a stocking to the mantle this Christmas, and loved having Rebecca here for both Christmas and her birthday. A few of you know that I was worried she might be really homesick due to being away from her own family for both of those special days. And I’m sure she had twinges of sadness, but she jumped right into our Massachusetts holiday life and didn’t seem any worse for wear as she and Kory headed back to Texas this morning. I’m glad they get to bookend the week of Christmas with two weekends in Coppell with Rebecca’s family.

Robert and Kayla also headed to Texas this morning on a separate flight. Robert is doing his usual speaking, reporting, and fundraising trip to different parts of Texas and Oklahoma, and I honestly don’t know how he does it. (I AM a little worse for wear today – from a full semester.) Even Kayla will get to do a bit of reporting about her semester in Scotland. Cooper and I will meet up with them next week for a few days together in Austin.

Here are a few snapshots from the week together…

Kayla has only been home from Scotland for two weeks, but she also seemed to transition well after a semester abroad and she had candy and Christmas Market gifts for everyone. And I got to add London to my collection of Starbucks mugs.

We were really hoping it would be a white Christmas for Rebecca (and ourselves), but we only got a few flurries on Christmas Eve. We were thankful for sunshine, though, and took advantage of it with a Christmas afternoon walk down the bike trail and back home through the Amherst College campus.

A game night that started with two friends turned into a full blown party with ten others on Thursday evening. We had a yummy snack potluck dinner and played several intense round of Catch Phrase – and Thomas the Tank Engine trains and tongues.

Rebecca turned 24 on Friday, so we went to one of our favorite restaurants for breakfast, and then Kory took her out for a dinner date later that evening.

I was finding it difficult to move from that spot on the couch last night, but there was still some work to be done in preparation for the weekend and coming weeks. We have friends moving in this weekend who will be housesitting for us while we’re on sabbatical this winter/spring. Rooms had to be cleaned and cleared for their arrival. Plus, I’m away in Boston for the weekend to visit a friend and see the Nutcracker for the very first time in my life! My sister, Melinda, drew my name for Christmas gifts this year, and she got me two tickets to the Boston Ballet. Can’t wait.

We’ll see these guys again on New Year’s Day when Coop and I arrive in Texas to spend a few days with the rest of our family. Then back to MA for a few days for more packing and a wedding. Then Robert and I hit the road for a semester long sabbatical in North Carolina, where – Lord willing – I’ll finish my seminary degree, and we’ll both get a bit of time for rest and reflection, study and prayer.

I’m so thankful for the week together at home with all of our big kids, but also look forward to the coming time away with Robert. Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, and I’ll see you back here on New Year’s Eve with a couple of resolution and renewal ideas.