By Wednesday Christmas Eve, community resources all around had been able to get control of the snow situation. Roads were clear and my condo project was back into pretty good shape. I did some food shopping on my way home from work, but just had a packaged quick fix dinner to eat, watched some tv, and then went to bed.

Colin and Marissa came over early Thursday Christmas morning. I had a pot of hot cinnamon spiced apple cider going. We each got mugs of that, went into the living room, and just had a wonderful visit for an hour or so before opening gifts. Though short in time, it was the highlight of the year for me to share the day with them.

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Colin and Marissa arrive early Christmas morning.

It was a bright and sunny day to celebrate Christmas together.

Marissa bearing up under the pressure.

Colin bearing up under the pressure.

Colin and Marissa bearing up under the pressure.

Dad bearing up under the pressure. And just exactly how is it now that I ended up cooking the bacon, anyway?

Colin acting as 'Santa' delivering the gifts.

A good shot, but the sun was brutal.

Marissa trying on her new snowboarding jacket.

Another pose accented by, "Come on, dad..."

Colin looking good in the new coat that I got him. I had given it to him during the big ice storm several weeks before because it was so cold and he needed it then.

And they're off to spend the rest of the day with their grandparents.