A True Gift...

We received an incredible gift today from our friends in New Mexico. The package was sent as part of a "Pay it Forward" surprise. We, as anyone, love to get surprises at our door. This one was special. This box was for our whole family, and each one of us knew it.

We scurried to the dining room where Shar placed the box on the floor. Prinnie, Digby and Peanut Butter huddled around to see what was inside. As she began to unwrap the box, the kids assisted with their snouts and paws, as if to say that she wasn't opening it fast enough. Once opened, they each took a turn poking their head inside and grabbing a perfectly wrapped gift with their name on it.

Digby found a pouch of treats, and as if he knew they were for him and Prinnie, took off with the bag in his mouth for a mad dash to the living room. Prinnie, with help from mommy, grabbed a gift and began to paw at it, hoping it would magically open.

By now, Peanut Butter was off batting around her new mousey, as Digby had taken his new squeaky bone to another room to play. Prinnie began to roll her new ball around the floor, chasing it with a vengeance!

Shar and I were able to have a brief moment to open an incredible CD on Hot Air Balloons - one of our favorite things, and read the accompanying letter from our friends. We looked around at our little family, and I swear everyone had a smile from ear to ear. Such kindness, such thoughtfulness went into these gifts. There was even a special new tradition started for us by our givers - a "Places" leash with the first of what we hope will be many, many pins from all of the places we hope to visit. Our first pin was that of a hot air balloon from New Mexico. Prinnie, as if knowing it would fit her perfectly, begged for a walk on the new leash, to which we had to oblige.

Today was a gift....a gift of knowing that we are worthy of a special friendship with very special people. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts Siku, Susan and Steve.

We are already preparing our "Pay It Forward" surprise!