There are certain events that occur in the lives of families when other family members are sometimes "expected" to be there...blessings, baptisms, weddings, funerals. In a perfect world, all extended family members would be able to join together together for these blessed occasions. However, we do not live in a perfect world and even though we sometimes would love to attend these events, "life happens." For example, a few months ago, our newest granddaughter, Lucy, was born. Originally, we had all hoped to fly back to NY to attend the blessing. As time got closer for Lucy's birth, Tom and Amanda realized that it would just not be possible for that to happen, so they brought Lucy out to Utah to be blessed so it would not be a hardship on family members to travel so far. It was not their first choice, but it was the most reasonable answer so that the most family could attend. Even then, our son-in-law, Eddie could not attend because of his work schedule. Just recently, our oldest granddaughter, Emma was baptised. The original plan was for her to be baptised at Thanksgiving time, since we thought everyone would be able to be there, but then again, it was too far for Tom and Amanda and Lucy to come, and Paula and Eddie and Lexi had planned to go to Idaho for Thanksgiving. So, Emma was baptised the first weekend in December, and Grandpa and I were the only ones that could attend, as well as Grandpa and Grandmas from Rachel's family. None of the aunts and uncles were there, even though they had originally hoped to be. So, now we are approaching a wedding in the family. One of our nieces, Ashley, is getting married on January 3rd. Yes, we would love to attend, but again "life happens," so we do the best we can do, and hope that everyone involved can understand that even though we can't attend due to previous commitments and work schedules, etc. that our thoughts and prayers and best wishes will still be with Ashley on her important day. As families become further spread apart, it becomes more difficult to just pick up and go, especially when money and/or winter travel can be an issue. Hopes, expectations, and wishes are great, but sometimes reality takes over. It's called life, and we just do the best we can.
This is a picture of Santa "Billy" Claus. He normally resides at the North Pole near Colorado Springs. This year, he lives in a special workshop by the White House in Washington, DC. 
