Christmas Miracle

We just had the best Christmas this year. We got to have Grandmommy here for a visit.



About a year after we moved away from her and Memphis, Grandmommy was diagnosed with liver cancer. We were devastated. We have been on pins and needles ever since, following her treatments, her ups and downs, and her miraculous hair retention despite months of chemo. So when she agreed to visit us and Clay's brother's family for Christmas, we were beyond excited. She got here right when we left to see my family in Fresno, so she saw the sights with the other Callaway's for a few days.

We didn't tell the girls that their beloved Grandmommy aka Me-maw was coming. We just showed up, after a four hour drive back from the Sierra's, at the Callaway's and let them figure it out. I had five dollars on Neve crying, but she kept it together, at least that day.

We couldn't wait to show her the temple in Oakland and all the pretty lights.





We enjoyed a nice quite Christmas eve at our house. On the menu: grilled pizzas and Ginger Ale (like they have at Grandmommy and Dudah's house).



Then a little wii to wind down the night. Oh dear, Kiera is the boxing champ. No one can take her down. Her little fists don't fly quite as fast as her little feet. It is really hilarious and entertaining to watch. Come by anytime. We'll have her put on a show.



Christmas morning and the obligatory jammies.



Later on Christmas, Sarah treated us to a delicous dinner and fine company. Thanks, Sarah and Josh for your fine hospitality.

The next day we took Martha down to Monterey. She had never seen the Pacific Ocean before. She couldn't look away.





It was a big chilly for her skinny self, so we tore ourselves away after a while. Not before Eli got wet.



We took her to Lover's Point to see the sea lions.



and the tide pools.







Quick, before it gets dark...on to 17 mile drive (and the warmth of the rental car. No my car still isn't fixed). Can you imagine living on this street with views like this?







This was the last time Neve smiled that day. She cried and cried when Grandmommy got out of the car at the airport. Stupidly, I thought that if she could say one more goodbye while Grandmommy was curb checking her bag, it would make it better. It didn't. She wailed for another 15 minutes in the car. She is such a sweet, sensitive girl.



Grandmommy. We already miss you. Can you come and play again soon?