It's 21 degrees today, the day after Christmas.  I have the rest of the week off, but Chad had to go in, he always seems eager to fight the elements after a snow or ice storm, not sure what that is all about, but he assures me the sidewalks and streets are free of snow, and he will be very careful as he travels to work.

Christmas day was furiously wonderful as usual;  family, food, gifts, music and snow!!  What a great way to celebrate our Saviors birth!  In an effort to keep Christmas in perspective, we started drawing names a couple of years ago to help better manage our gift giving - Leo is excluded from that arrangement, as long as we don't buy too much or too big.  This year, as it turns out Matt drew Candice's name, her wish was that he would play his violin for us all.  Armed with a few refresher courses,  much courage  and trepidation, he donned his musicians cap (figuratively) and played several Christmas pieces, much to our delight!  I especially loved Leo's response, as soon as Matt set up his makeshift music stand and pulled the violin under his chin then drew the bow, Leo was mesmerized.  He immediately stopped what he was doing and just stood and watched his Dad play.  He then decided to sit with his Mommy and enjoy the concert with her.

We were all captivated by Matts performance.  No longer the hockey, football, bowling athlete in my mind, now a new vision of a musical Matt - what a great gift!