Christmas 2007 at the Barnes house

Yes, the festivities are underway here this morning. Here the Barnes girls are waiting in their pajamas on the steps to see what goodies await them in the living room - a tradition that we've had around here forever.

They dressed up poor Whimsy like Santa Claus. He's been looking pretty confused and maybe feels his masculinity has been diminished. It takes everything you've got to be a man around here...

It's good to have Talia back from the World Race. But I gotta run - we're being called to breakfast - another tradition: sticky buns, eggs and bacon. More reports later...

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1:15 - The presents opened, we're listening to new music, reading new books, and trying on new clothes.

Estie introducing you, our blog family, to newest family member, Louie - here seen moving in on Whimsy's Santa monopoly.

In a few hours, honorary Barnes family member, Mark Almand, stops by to join us for the typical over-the-top Christmas feast. Somewhere in here, we're celebrating God's incarnation - the miracle of Jesus.

What I love is that as we celebrate together and invite God to celebrate with us, the miracle of the incarnation is repeated in real time - Dec. 25, 2007 as he lives through us.

If you were here, we'd invite you to party with us. We'd load you up with the best food a kitchen can put forth in these parts and we'd toast to you and your family.

And since you're not with us in this warm home, in your absence, here's hoping your Christmas is great!