Twas' the Night Before Christmas...

Dear Santa,

My name is Nate and I am Carter's daddy. This Christmas I am not going to be able to be home because I am away on "det". I really miss my little girl and her mom! I was wondering if you could pay a special trip to see them and deliver some presents for me since I will not be able to be with them on Christmas day? Please tell them how much I miss them and can't wait to see them in a few weeks! Also, Carter really likes stories so if you have a story or book to read I think she might really like it.

Please tell my wife, Beth, that she brings Christmas magic to my life everyday- and that I love her!

Thanks so much Santa, be careful delivering all the kids their presents this year. Who knows if I am flying on Christmas Eve I might see you in the skies.

Nate

That's my husband for you...they just don't come any better than him. Apparently Santa received his letter and Carter and I received quite a holiday surprise. While we were getting ready to celebrate Christmas this past Sunday with my Mimi and Papa guess who showed up at the front door?! With a jolly Ho hO Ho he read my husbands sweet letter...Carter was awestruck and I was overwhelmed. Somehow Nate always knows exactly how to make things special, even when he is a million miles away.

The knock on the door happened so quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick...

His eyes, how they twinkled! His dimples how merry! His cheeks were like roses! His nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, and the beard of his chin was as white as the snow...

He had a broad face and a little round belly, that shook when he laughed like a bowl full of jelly...

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, and I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself...
A wink of his eye, and a twist of his head, soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread....

He spoke not a word; but went straight to his work...

But, I heard him exclaim...

As he "walked" out of sight...

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a Good Night!

And he left behind one very happy little girl...

And a wife who knew she was loved and adored. For her heart was full of cannot be bought, the love of a family is the gift that she got...

Dear Nate...how do you do it? Your ability to make things magical is a gift! We will never forget this Christmas surprise, and while it could never begin to fill the void your absence creates, it brought fun and smiles and was exactly what we needed! My heart is FULL of love for you, I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to be able to say I am your wife. Thank you for loving me so well, it is the gift that keeps on giving the whole year long (sorry I just couldn't resist)! I love you baby, Merry Christmas! XOXO Beth