Christmas Eve with the Windles

Kim and Natalie came over to spend the day with us. We had a lite breakfast and then Kim drove us over to the base for a special gift. Chris had set up a video conference. This was the first time in months that Chris got to "see" his family. It was just like you see on T.V., except that where we were was a very high clearance area. They confiscated our phones and my camera. We were taken into a locked room with a private escort. The room was set up with two very large plasa screen t.v.'s, a huge cherrywood conference table and lots of comfortable leather chairs. The escort assumed responsibility for all five of us. (quite an undertaking) He had to stay in the room with us the entire time.

The kids were able to see their daddy face-to-face. They were so excited. We were able to stay and talk to him, via web-cam, for about 30 minutes. God Bless the U.S. Air Force and Master Sgt. Alward for the time and effort that it took to co-ordinate it all.

Later this evening we went over to Kim and Ryan's for a crock-pot lasagna dinner. It was really yummy! (got to remember to get the recipe from her) After that we all piled into their van, stopped to get hot chocolate and then drove over to the Newport News Christmas light display.

When we were done with that, it was back to the Windles for the Christmas gift exchange!