And to all a good night

It's nearing midnight here in Atlantic Canada. The house is absolutely quiet except for the tick-tocking grandfather clock. I'm off to bed soon but that latte Damien made for me this afternoon is keeping me awake.

So much of these days is about the hours after dark. Dark comes soon (though the days are now getting longer!) and much of our merry making is happening after the sun is set. Not exactly the ideal time for photo taking but I'm trying.

Trying to capture the moments of these past nights, the memories. Cousins arriving, celebrating my brother's birthday (2 days before Christmas) and lots of good food.

We open presents on Christmas Eve but I didn't even bother trying to take photos of that. I just wanted to be there, enjoying the delight of my children as they opened their handmade gifts to each other and their handmade gifts from Nana & Papa and from Damien & myself. They also got books and other gifts for learning, crafting & staying warm. It was so much fun to experience their excitement in both the giving and receiving.

These nights are magical and I am trying to soak them up, remember all the little details and appreciate my family fully for who they are - wonderful, wonderful people. I am so blessed.

G'nite. I wish you the merriest Christmas.