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The rush, the build-up, gift wrapping, baking goodies, and the anticipation of family arrival has come and gone.  By the time the day before Christmas arrived, and I hadn't sent out all the intended cards, purchased enough stocking stuffers, or baked enough desserts, it was too late for me to play catch-up.  I sighed a breath of relief and went with the flow.  Actually, I truly enjoyed the days leading up to Mark's arrival, which was my end of planning and preparation and time to sit back, talk, drink, laugh, and drink more. Mark and Jen pulled in Sunday night after a 14-hour drive from Missouri where they hit rain in Nashville which slowed them down.  Monday morning Jen and I went to yoga class together while Mark did cardio and weights.  Cliff met us at The Chop House in downtown Murphy for a delicious luncheon special and then we headed back up the mountain, warmed the house up with a wood fire in the stove, played a game of Spinner (chicken feet) and waited for Santa's arrival.  Christmas morning was like having kids in the house again when Mark and Jen woke at 5:40 laughing and giggling, ready to see what Santa put in their stockings.

Mark and Jen opening gifts.
It rained off and on during their visit but we took a chance and walked the mountain anyway between the showers.  Plenty of turkey, gravy, winter squash, and Jen's home-made mouth-watering cheese cake made our Christmas Day memorable.  

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