Legacy of the Dreams

Chapter 76 - December 23rd and Baking Day

The Abernathys stayed home for every night of Chanukah that year. Most nights they celebrated very quietly, with Alan and his family joining their household for a much more intimate celebration than usual. Compared to the year before, when the family spent so much time running around, it was relatively peaceful and relaxing, just what everyone thought they needed during this particular year. It was time together they could spend getting to know their newest family member, baby Noah, and time they could spend quietly with one another. That began to change on Friday evening.

After supper on the seventh night of Chanukah, following the onset of the Sabbath, additional family members began to arrive at Greg and Susan's house with the intent of joining them for the weekend.

First was Matt, who arrived with Ashley and Zack after work, carrying an enormous Christmas tree. Susan was expecting it, and had the space in the living room prepared. Greg helped them set it up, and the family spent the rest of the evening decorating it ... in-between welcoming additional guests.

Reuben was next.

"Welcome," Greg said, taking time out from decorating the tree to answer the door.

"Thank you," Reuben said.

"Won't you join us?" Susan invited, gesturing towards the tree.

"I don't mind if I do. It's been a lifetime, at least, since I've decorated a Christmas tree," Reuben said.

They were still in the middle of it when Stephen and his family arrived.

"Welcome," Susan said. It was her turn to answer the door.

"Thank you. Where do you want us, Sue? We'll be in to help with decorate the tree as soon as we're settled," Stephen said.

"The kids are all sharing. You and Jenny are in the end room, north side," Susan told them.

"Do you need help unloading your stuff?" Matt offered.

"We've got it, Matt. Like I said, we'll be in as soon as we can," Stephen told him.

True to Stephen's word, they were. All three of his kids were getting older. Chris and Lisa were teenagers these days, and Amber would be in a year, which meant with everyone helping to unload, things for the kitchen and their luggage were brought in relatively quickly. Even so, Neil and Rosemary arrived while Stephen's family were still bringing things in, and together the two cars drove around to the level of the guest rooms to finish unloading, but not before the newest arrivals came in to say hello.

"Rosemary, you look wonderful!" Susan exclaimed.

Rosemary smiled at her somewhat shyly. "Thank you, Susan. I wish I felt wonderful. You know I'm due next week."

"Which means you could deliver at any time," Cindy told her. "I agree with Susan. You look wonderful ... and just so you know, I know you don't feel wonderful. It's hard to feel great when you have so much baby inside you."

"Thank you, Cindy," Rosemary said.

"Are you okay though?" Susan asked the expectant mother. "Are there any problems with your pregnancy?"

"No, not really ... except seeing my feet, putting my shoes on, those sorts of things," Rosemary admitted.

"The normal things," Cindy said knowingly. "Come in and meet Noah ... and you can watch the Abernathys. They're still trimming their Christmas tree."

"Rosemary, I'm taking our things down to our room. I'll be back soon," Neil told her.

"Do you need help?" Alan offered.