Christmas Time at the Taylors (Photostory)

It's Christmas Day at Danielle and Rod's house.  They decided to host the Christmas dinner.  

Danielle has brought up the food and set the table.  Not sure where all her help is.

Well here are three of them, all doting over Zoé.  So happy to see Ian and Sharmaine.  Ian has been out of the country doing an internship, which just finished.  Sharmaine has also been traveling for her job.  This is the first time they are both meeting the baby.

"Come on, Ian.  You have been holding her long enough.  Let me hold her."  (Sharmaine)

"Zoé said she needs a little more time with her favorite uncle."  (Ian)

"You are her only uncle, dufus."  (Sharmaine)

Jacob is playing with his new dinosaur.  Santa also brought him a new train set.

Rod and JT (Roberta's man) are hanging out on the back porch.

Look who else is here!  Nicole.  She got to spend Christmas at her dad's house.  I would love to say Melanie just offered this wonderful gesture, but it actually took an injunction from the court.  More on that later.  Anyway, Nicole is playing Julian some tunes on her new guitar Santa brought her.

"Okay guys, dinner is ready.  You can make your way to the table."  (Danielle)

"Can you please tell Ian to stop hogging the baby."  (Sharmaine)

"Sharmaine, why don't you take her to the nursery and change her diaper.  I'm sure she can use one now.  Ian, there is a bassinet in my bedroom.  Can you bring that down for me?  Thanks."  (Danielle)

"Ha, ha, haha, ha.  Now hand her over."  (Sharmaine)

"Gladly.  I'll pass on diaper changing any day."  (Ian)

"What do you need me to do?"  (Roberta)

"Nothing, mom.  It's all done.  I'm going to go get the rest of the gang.  Just make your way to the table."  (Danielle)

Danielle gathers everyone else.  Sharmaine returns with a clean baby and Ian returns with the bassinet. 

The family is finally seated.

"So is everyone comfortable."  (Danielle)

Various forms of 'yes' can be heard.  Danielle places the baby in the bassinet and takes her seat.

"Honey, can you please say the blessing?"  (Danielle)

"Yes, but before I do, I just wanted to say a few words."  (Rod)

"Okay, but make it quick, we don't want the food to get cold."  (Danielle)

"I just want to thank everyone for spending this time with us.  

"It's been a blessed year as we welcomed our new little angel."

"It's also been a very sad year as I was away from my first angel, due to circumstances beyond my control.  Please know that daddy loves you more than he can possibly express.  Always remember that."

"And to my beautiful wife, who helps keep me grounded.  Thanks for all you do for me, this family, and the community."  (Rod)

Danielle blinks back the tears that are quickly forming.

"Thanks so much, honey.  You make it so easy for me to love you.  I couldn't have asked for a better partner in life."  (Danielle)

"Alright everyone, join hands so we can bless the meal."  (Danielle)

"Dear heavenly Father......"  Rod blesses the meal and the family enjoys the dinner.  Ian and Sharmaine catch everyone up on their busy lives.  Plans for 2017 are discussed by all.  It was a wonderful Christmas day.

Hope you all had a joyous holiday!  Happy early New Year!