Surprise, Surprise

A fantastic surprise. That was my most treasured Christmas gift this year.

Here's the scene: December 23rd, 2008. My hubby's cousin and her twin daughters were visiting for Christmas. We spent most of the evening at my in-laws' house, hanging out with them. When we arrived home that night, my hubby was taking out the garbage (and subsequently bringing it back in...but that's another story). Moments after he came back into the house, the doorbell rang. Since Little Buddy and I were in the back of the house, I assumed my hubby had been the one to ring the doorbell. Little Buddy was crying because I took a pen away from him, so I just figured my hubby was trying to distract Little Buddy by ringing the doorbell (he loves to hear the doorbell ring). However, when my hubby walked back to where I was and looked at me as if to ask "who is at our door?", I just thought he was messing around. Calling his bluff, I told him that he was the one who rang the doorbell. He laughed and said he wasn't. So, when he said, "Come on, Buddy, let's see who it is", I thought maybe he had arranged for someone to show up on our doorstep dressed as Santa or something. Although, I thought it was a bit odd that he'd have someone come at 9 PM, when Little Buddy should have been in bed.

So, I amused my hubby and followed him and Little Buddy to the door. I saw a slight smirk on my hubby's face, so I knew something was up. I just had no clue what it was.
After glancing out the peephole, my hubby opened the door. There stood my brother and sister-in-law--the same brother and SIL who were supposed to be in New Mexico for Christmas. I was dumbfounded and shocked. I didn't know whether they were here to stay for a few days or if they were just passing through on their way to New Mexico. As I found words to express my confusion and sheer delight, I asked what was going on. Due to some last minute changes, they weren't going to New Mexico after all. So, they had contacted my hubby and asked if they could surprise me and spend Christmas with us! Not only did they surprise me, but they also surprised my parents and Gram who were due to arrive at our house on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Eve, Uncle T and Auntie A even helped Little Buddy make a gingerbread house. They had quite a good time.

I truly can't think of a better Christmas gift. All of my immediate family was here, spending Christmas together. What a treat! I felt so blessed. Plus, we all spent the afternoon and evening with my hubby's family, eating and playing games. I really think this was the best, most memorable Christmas yet.