Dear Gram,

Christmas was wonderful! Perhaps the best we have ever celebrated. Going off of the "less is more" theme if you will, we had less chaos and clutter and more of a genuine Christmas Spirit. The children were all so happy and content. For Gina, Santa brought a new open holed flute, a marching band sweatshirt, and duffel bag. Eliza was tickled pink with her Ruthie character American Girl Doll. Isaac was up to his happy gleaming eyeballs in star wars action figure stuff. Charlie couldn't get enough of his "red and blue speed racer cars" A fast and cool shake and go race track. Olivia was just so fascinated with every ones goods, she hardly noticed her own leap frog farm fridge magnet thingy. Michael and I both received what we asked for too... a new coat for him, and kitchen stuff for myself. It was the perfect kind of day I wish I could freeze frame and go back to on the not so perfect kind of days. I was amazed at how magical it all worked out... we had very few presents under the tree. But the kids did chores and saved up to buy something for everyone. I was impressed with their generosity and ability to think of others wants and needs instead of themselves. For the first time, I hated to take down "Christmas" and put it all away. Charlie and Olivia were tremendous helpers. Unpacking boxes just as fast as I'd packed them up.
We celebrated the New Year like never before! The Mission Mountain Wood Band (Michael's 'Never Long Gone' documentary) was playing at a place in Big Sky. We were able to get the last room for the night. The kids partied in the room, and Mike and I partied in the ballroom with the Band and over 200 other guests. Did you know it was a Blue Moon on New Years Eve? Well it was, and that explains why Mike danced the night away like Michael Jackson (ha ha okay, not really. But I sat out more dances than he did) Normally I can't get him to dance. However, on New Years Eve, I couldn't keep up with all his dancin moves... Only once in a BLUE MOON! Seriously, I can't remember the last time we had so much fun party-n it up into the wee hours of the morning.
It's been the most fabulous Holiday season, and yet we are all ready to resume our regular routine. I've thought about you so much during the last few weeks. I miss you already, and you haven't even left yet. I wanted to tell you one more time how much I love you, and to thank you one more time... for your example of all that is good, and gracefully enduring when it's not so good. Thank you for encouraging me to dream big, and believing in me. You are an amazing woman, and I am grateful I've been so blessed to have you as Gram these last 9 short years. "God be with you till we meet again..."
Love
Kristine