Chapter One Hundred Sixty-Two

Christmas Traditions, Old and New

A/N – As I mentioned earlier, my story has now spanned 5 holiday seasons, crazy. I hope the Wyatt birthday storyline was enjoyable for you. As I have said I am setting up the sequel and obviously this couple will be a main focal point. My hope is to deliver a Christmas story about old and new traditions for the Bordens and the rest of the family. Ones that will be seen in the future. I am planning to focus on the main characters but a few side bars may be inserted. Right now the plan is to move into New Years next which I hope will continue to move us forward to the future. Then will be JT's 5th birthday extravaganza. From that point we shall see how we best close this story out and move on. I have received a lot of great ideas for the sequel so please don't stop providing them. My ideas are organized and I hope it brings as much joy to you as this story – I know it will for me. Never stop telling me how I am doing through your review and feedback. Let's enjoy the holiday season together. Mature Content Enjoy!

As expected Buster and Bille became instant celebrities at the Miracle Ranch. During the day they stayed in a makeshift pen that the Ranch Hands built and everyone was on the schedule to feed them every 3 hours. When the kids were off school they handled it, but during the day and weekends it was a number of the staff who volunteered. Dr. Ellie's husband Nick helped Maddie set up a schedule online and the iPads were used to sign-up. At night they stayed with Lyndy or Wyatt as they seemed to bond with the two of them like they were their parents. Christmas was a little over a week away and the kids were excited since school was winding down. They would be off a week and a half since Christmas and New's Year's Day were on Tuesday. Lyndy and Wyatt were still riding a high from his birthday weekend, especially their date at the fishing cabin. JT was on a holiday high as well and his soon to come 5th birthday. He was still dealing with the study of his special relationship with his ancestors but now with Grandma Lilly here it would be Ok. Annie and Addie continued to enjoy the 8th grade but more importantly their friends and two young men who had become more and more important in the life. Maddie was also enjoying her life, especially her friends Gwen and Sylvia. She was excelling in school and had begun to ask questions of the team that worked with her special friends. She found what they did interesting and wanted to make sure she understood what she could do to help. She was enjoying her special relationship with Ricky as well, especially how easy it was to talk to him about anything. Amy and Ty were scheduled for a busy week. Even with that they continued to make sure they touched base as often as they could, sneaking a kiss or hug. It had become so natural that the staff was used to it and just carried on. In fact it had become expected and welcomed as their love for each other and their family transcended to the values of the company and what they had accomplished. One morning after they watched the kids leave from the porch, they sat and enjoyed a cup of coffee before they headed over to the office. They were both quiet in their thoughts. Finally Amy spoke up, "It is going to be great holiday this year for sure. The kids all seem happy and are enjoying their lives. I don't think I have ever seen Lyndy and Wyatt so happy. She looks at him the way I looked at you, except when you were messing up." He scoffed, "Whatever, I didn't mess up that much. And you had some stuff you went through too. But I agree, I see that way he looks at her as well. I remember when I used to look at you like that." She opened her mouth wide and smacked him, "Used too?" He smiled and pulled her into his lap, "Every time I look at you is still get butterflies. You are so beautiful and I love you more and more each moment we are together." He kissed her a little longer than usual and when they breathlessly broke apart, she whispered, "Ok I believe you." They laughed and continued their kiss not even noticing, Clay, Katie and Sienna pulled up to the barn. As Katie walked to the Day Care Center with Sienna she yelled over. "Hey lovebirds, don't you have work to do?" They pulled apart and Amy waved, sticking her tongue out at her niece. She smiled and continued their kiss for a few minute longer. They were so happy and in love.

The week before th holiday was going well but a plan was being put together for Wednesday afternoon. Somehow, Addie had to get Lyndy's truck back to the house for the big Christmas reveal. Addie solicited help from her dad, Caleb and Rusty. And Annie and her mom were in charge of making sure Lyndy was occupied. Ty and Caleb were going to head over right before school let out to get the truck and Rusty made room in the Quonset hut at Heartland with a tarp to cover it. Wednesday morning Addie was in a tizzy and grabbed her dad before her headed downstairs. "Dad, I am worried about our plan. Although she kind of had an idea, Lyndy has been crazy trying to figure out what was up. Can you maybe come during my shop class to pick it up? It is right before lunch so maybe you can hang with Annie and I as well as meet the kids and my teacher? He smiled, "Let me talk to mom, maybe she will come with me to get it and we can both hang out with you guys. I will handle it from here." She smiled and hugged him tightly, "You are the best!" After letting Amy, Caleb and Rusty know the change in plans, Amy and Ty got ready to leave. They hopped in Old Blue and Amy got as close as she could to her man. Caleb and another ranch hand saw them off laughing as he laughed, "You know Amy, he has to be able to shift gears." Amy laughed blushing, "Well I can help him." Caleb laughed, "Isn't that why you have 5 kids." They all laughed as the old GMC rumbled down the drive to the main road. They enjoyed the ride, not really talking, just being close. They pulled in the parking lot and went to the office. They were directed to the shop class and when they entered, Addie came over to them. She hugged them discretely as her classmates were looking on. The shop teacher approached, "Dr. and Mrs. Borden it is good to see you again. I have to say this project has been a challenge for the class but a definite teaching moment for myself and the kids. As you know, several kids and the teacher from the high school class help. In fact they truck was over there for a while as their shop was a little better equipped." Ty and Amy smiled as Ty looked for the truck, anxious to see it." Addie laughed, "Daddy you need to be patient, we are waiting for a few more people. Everyone wants to be here for the big reveal." The teacher added, "I hate to infringe but did you bring you GMC, Addie mentioned you might." He laughed and Amy gushed, "Of course we did, that truck is very important to Ty and I. Do you want to see it?" His eyes lit up as the group headed out to the lot what the truck was getting attention from other students and staff. They teacher looked overwhelmed, "Oh my it is a 1957 GMC Blue Chip 9300. It looks amazing. You know if you want we will be happy to look her over for you." Ty smiled, "Thanks but I have always done all the work on it alone and now I have Addie to help me." He smiled understanding his wishes. "I also understand you had a Norton." Ty smiled again, "Yes, I was always kind of a motorcycle guy and I bought her years ago. It is a 1974 850 Norton Commando." He nudged Amy, "This one here wasn't too happy about it but now she rides too, well sometimes." He smiled, "Well you are a shop class teachers dream. I believe teaching these kids how to look at something, evaluate what it needs and fixing it is a key learning concept for life." He whispered, "Your daughter is amazing and completely gets the process. She is very intuitive and can look at something and determine what is needed to fix it. It is a rare skill and by seeing this truck I can see where she gets it from. These are skills that will serve her well in life." Ty and Amy smiled thanking him as he added, "Well lets go see our final product, I believe you will be pleased."

As they went back into the room they noticed that the crowd had grown. It seemed this process had really gotten the attention of many other teachers and students. Amy smiled when Annie came over to them for a hug. It seemed she wasn't embarrassed as she hugged each of them tightly. Desi, Jeremy, Bella, Maya, Camilla and Troy were there as well all greeting the Borden parents. Addie poke up, "Now everyone, don't forget keep it quiet, this is kind of a surprise for my sister so if she finds out I will hunt down who did it." Everyone laughed at her serious tone. The teacher nodded to a number of the class as they went into one of the closed off bays and uncovered the present, rolling it into the open area. Everyone gasped and clapped at the same time. Addie beamed with pride as her dad and mom went over to see the final product. Ty walked around it quietly looking at every piece of chrome and metal. Amy stood back with her daughters by her side in tears amazed at how beautiful the green truck looked. Memories came flooding back about Old Blue and everything they shared with it. Picnics, star gazing in the bed of the truck and of course the first time they made love so many years ago. She smiled and hugged her girls tighter, "She is going to love it, it is perfect." Addie joined Ty and her instructor as they walked around discussing all of the work. Ty was sullen but very focused on the discussion. Others milled around it as well giving the them room to maneuver around it. Addie opened up the hood and Ty smiled as they went through the engine modifications that were done. The original truck needed a lot of restoration and the class had done some things to ensure it retained its personality but still had modern enhancements. They smiled and talked about the comparison of how he had modified Old Blue over the years. The instructor smiled, "Even though they have historical allowances, we felt it would be important to add some updates for safety and efficiency. This truck is a little more powerful than yours so we made sure we modified it a bit so it would better serve your daughter's needs." Ty smiled agreeing that it was the best thing to do. When he opened the door Ty noticed that the interior was true to the vehicle with the only modifications to the dashboard and some of the gauges. Then instructor explained them and the need for the updates and again Ty smiled in agreement. The instructor smiled, "Dr. and Mrs. Borden, this has been one of the most rewarding things we have ever worked on. We had visitors from the high school and several automotive shops in the area. Heck even the press wanted in on it but Addie put a stop to that. We hope it is Ok but we documented the process with a video that we plan to use for the media and other requests from around the province. If it is Ok, we actually want to group the two trucks together so we can tell the story." Ty and Amy smiled thanking them as he handed the keys to Ty, "Well lets fire this baby up." Ty jumped in and Amy joined him in the passenger seat and Addie squawked, "Not to close mom." Everyone laughed as Ty made sure it was in neutral pushing in the clutch and put the key in the ignition. Amy grabbed his arm as he turned the key.

The truck fired up and purred as Ty revved it up several times. He looked over the gauges as they moved while ha gave it gas. Amy was smiling and grabbed his thigh smiling broadly. Addie was beyond proud and the entire group applauded again. She hopped in as the three of them took it for a spin around the school grounds, making sure they stayed away from the high school which was on the north side of the complex. They returned and they hopped out as Ty got everyone's attention, Amy and I want to thank you for all of your work. Since your teacher refuses any compensation, my daughter informed me that your air compressor is about to die. So tomorrow, you will be receiving a new one from our family with thanks for all the work you did. And I think there may be some pizzas delivered for lunch as well. Again thank you all, our daughter is going to flip when she sees this beauty. It will proudly sit right next to Old Blue safe and sound on our property." They passed on lunch so Ty hopped in the truck as Amy followed in Old Blue and headed off to Heartland after a quick text to Rusty. They got everything done with time to spare and Lyndy was no wiser to what had happened. As they settled back at the Miracle Ranch, Amy gave Caleb the thumbs up. Both Ty and Amy had busy afternoons since the took off for a bit. Amy was handling several challenging horses and with the holiday approaching she had to get some feedback to the owners. Ty and Steven had a few surgeries that were urgent and had to be done by the end of the week. They decided to close up on Monday and Tuesday and only do necessary things the rest of the week. All of the clients were going to be gone for the holiday so there was no need for any rooms until after the first of the year. Jenn was going to use the time to have some minor maintenance and sprucing up work. The Day Care would be open but very few kids would be there. Max was coming in on Friday and he and Lilly would be staying with the Bordens. The plan this year was to have individual company happy hours at each facility, where thanks would be shared and bonus checks would be handed out. The weekend through Christmas would be all about family as Christmas morning was going to be with just the kids at home and the immediate family would have their get together at Heartland that afternoon. That worked out well since Lyndy's truck was already there. All the youth program and college students were off from Friday through the day after New Years. But many of them volunteered to help with horse care over the holiday and of course the puppies would still need a lot of attention. The happy hour was a big hit for the Miracle Ranch Team that included the Rehoming Center and Day Care as well. An assortment of light snacks and drinks were available with a lot of Christmas cookies. As with the rest of the companies, Amy and Ty thanked everyone and then went around handing out bonus checks which were received happily, just in time for Christmas. Mallory did a great job coordinating it with Maddie's help and the decorations were perfect. The family had cut their tree down a week or so ago and it sat in its place in the living room adorned with lights, garland and ornaments with a lot of stories behind them. Ty whispered to Amy, "The tree is beautiful. It is a tradition we dreamed of long ago and here it is." He leaned in for a kiss as they whispered I love you to each other. Maddie interrupted them, "Hey you too you have some things to do still so get to it." After a long night, the Bordens and their newest guest slept in a bit. When they woke, Lilly and JT had breakfast ready for everyone as the groggy bunch wandered down to the dining room. Max had come in late so he took the time to say hello to everyone with hugs and handshakes. JT spoke up, Grandpa Max we are so happy you are here. So GG said maybe we could go to the pond for some fishing later. It's cold but that's Ok, the fish are easier to catch then." Everyone laughed as Amy stepped in, "JT let Max get settled, maybe he wants to spend some time with his wife?" Lilly laughed, "Well I see this guy all the time but a chance to go fishing, I bet Grandpa Max is all in. In fact, I need to spend some time with Lisa, so I will go and maybe we can get a late lunch at Maggie's." JT smiled all excited, "Can Trent and Shawna go?" Max smiled before Amy could step in again, "If Mallory is Ok, that sound great. Anyway I would like to meet this Shawna, is she your girlfriend?" JT blushed as everyone chuckled at his comment, "She is a good friend, you know a girl can just be a friend." They all laughed subtly, cleaned up and went about their day. The next two days would be relaxing for them as they prepared for the Christmas festivities.

The weekend was a welcomed time for relaxation as well as family and friend time for all of the Bordens. As was tradition the family had Christmas Eve breakfast and went on a family trail ride, even though it was chilly. They all realized that if you rode horses in Canada you learned how to handle the weather. They ended up on the ridge, lit the fire pit, bundled up with a lot of blankets and had some hot chocolate and cookies. They laughed and joked enjoying the time together. Maddie spoke up, "You know we need to do this forever, even when we get older when Lyndy and Wyatt have a bunch of kids." Everyone laughed as Amy spoke up, "Well that would be nice, but as you grow you may have new traditions with your family and that's Ok. Your dad and I have seen our traditions change and that is not a bad thing. The bottom line is that no matter what, we remain family and love each other." She was emotional and Addie jumped in, "Mom, don't worry, we will always love each other and it will be a year or two before Lyndy starts having kids." The group was quiet as Ty's eyes grew large. She laughed, "Just kidding dad!" as everyone broke into laugher and smiles, watching their father almost pass out. The rest of the day went well and as usual they had a quiet dinner with Lily and Max. After dinner, Maddie brought out the tree topper that was always placed on Christmas Eve. The group wanted Lilly and JT to put it up so with Wyatt and Ty's help they reached up together and put it on the tree. Amy told the story of the topper reminding everyone it was purchased when they had their first Christmas in the loft as a married couple. After each of them got to open one present each, they put up their stockings and left milk, cookies and reindeer treats out for Santa, still relishing as a family that JT still believed. After they checked on everyone Amy and Ty got help from Lyndy and Wyatt to set out all the presents. They laughed when they saw Max doing the same thing. They hugged him good night and went to get ready for bed. As he sat on the bed her watched his wife go through her routine that never bored him. Watching her get ready was always the highlight of his day. As she came to bed she couldn't help but notice that Ty was a little misty. "Hey babe, what's up?" He smiled and pulled her in for a cuddle, "Nothing, but what Madde said and how you responded reminded me of how we struggled initially to start our own traditions. Someone I know didn't like change and when Maddie said that I remembered when we went for that ride right after we told each that we loved each other at the fishing cabin. We had cookies laying on our back watching the clouds go by. And you said you never wanted things to change." She laughed kissing his neck, "Yea, I think I said that a few times when we were young but look at us now. Things have changed for the better and we have so many amazing traditions. You know, I have a confession about that day. I realized that I wanted us to be together forever and my love for you was endless. I almost wanted to attack you but if you remember not soon after we made love for the first time." He smiled, remembering it and realizing that Amy was getting a little aggressive as she whispered, "Time for an attack." She quickly removed his t-shirt and pajama pants as he took her's off as well. Their foreplay was passionate and heated as they pleasured each other over and over. When the time was right, Amy hovered over her husband as they joined as one, moving together in their love. Their moans were soft as they called each other out over and over. The lovemaking increased as they each reached their ultimate climax erupting with love and passion. Amy leaned over and kissed him deeply as they finished their combined orgasms completely satisfying each other. After a few minutes they collapsed onto each other breathing heavily completely in love. As they settled, Ty whispered, "Well I guess I got my present too." She smiled, So did I!" They laughed quietly and held onto each other falling into a blissful and content sleep.

A little earlier than they all wanted everyone was awoken by a happy screaming boy running up and down the hall. "Everybody, wake up, he came and all his treats are gone, a job that fell on Wyatt. The family wrapped up in their pajamas and robes and headed down. Much to their delight, Max and Lilly had the coffee and juice ready along with a light continental type breakfast. There would be plenty of food as the day went on for sure. To calm JT down they let him open one present and everyone was more than happy to let him. It was from Lilly and Max and when he opened it he got quiet and smiled at her. "Grandma, I love this." He held it up and the onlookers got a little choked up." Lilly smiled, "Well I stole the idea from Lyndy but it is an album with a lot of pictures of everyone but mostly of you and me buddy. And like Wyatts, there are a lot of pages empty to fill up." At this point Amy and the girls were in tears as Ty and Wyatt joined them. He sat on his grandma's lap looking through them as everyone grabbed something to eat and drink. They talked quietly as they looked over each picture, occasionally laughing and leaning into each other. Max sat with Amy and Ty watching as he whispered, "They sure do love each other and I am sure they are both doing well because of the other's support." Ty smiled and choked up, "I have never seen my mom this happy. I am so happy you came into her life and brought her back to us, to me." Amy smiled and leaned into him for support, "I am too." Once everyone finished breakfast and cleaned up they went to the living room for family present time. It was a wonderful time as presents were opened to surprised and happy eyes. At Heartland everyone decided that the kids would only get presents from the elder group, not from Aunts and Uncles. They took turns so everyone could see what each of them got. This year most presents were from Santa except for the ones from Lilly and Max. Addie screamed when she got a subscription to Popular Mechanics as Lilly laughed, "That is so funny, she is so excited about a mechanics magazine. Ty she is all you." Annie let out a yell when she opened a brand new set of tact for Theo, which was top of the line. Amy smiled, "Santa knows you will be busy this year in some big competitions so you have to look good. She shrieked again a little later when she opened a gift from Max and Lilly. It was a couple for a new competition saddle she had been looking at. She was worried about the cost but Lilly smiled, "Honey you get it, we have you covered." She smiled and went to hug them both tightly. Maddie as well loved her presents. She jumped for joy when she got a special tablet to help her organize her life and all the things she did. "Amy laughed again, "I guess Santa thought we could save on paper and notebooks." Everyone laughed. Later she smiled when she opened another present. She held it up for everyone and they all smiled realizing it was perfect for her. The book was "A Beginners Guide To Helping Others Who Need Help." She had been talking about how she loved helping others, especially Gwen and the teachers recommended to Amy and Ty that they promote her interest. Ty spoke up, "I think you will get a lot out of that, heaven knows this family need a lot of help." Everyone laughed and went to tickle him. JT got a lot of games for development along with some fun ones. Lyndy and Wyatt got a lot of clothes along with books on how to pick a college. Lyndy rolled her eyes, "Really Santa, everyone knows where we are going to college, Go Dinos!" She kept looking outside and Wyatt knowing what she was looking for whispered to her, "Patience there girl, it will all be good." Max and Lilly cherished each gift they got from the kids, which were all very personal. With each gift they sat with the giver and thanked them letting them know how much they meant to them. JT looked over to their mom and dad noticing they had only received a few presents. Lilly and Max gave them beautiful picture frames for the wall going up the stairs for all of the pictures they had. Like Lillie and Max, each kid decided to write them a letter, thanking them for what they have given them. JT went to give his to them and spoke for the group, "Well you said you didn't want anything, which is weird, so we figured we would each write you a letter." Amy smiled as she teared up looking over his. After glancing them all she finally gathered herself as Ty was unable to talk. "Kids, these are perfect. Dad and I will take more time later to read them completely but I don't ever think we have ever received such wonderful gifts. Dad and I love you all very much." What they didn't know was that letter writing at the holidays would become a new tradition for the Bordens and part of their family that would go on for generations. As they finished the kids all joined in for a family hug. Max and Lilly watched them, so happy that this was part of their family. Lyndy looked over at a crying Lilly, "Oh my grandma, not you too!" Everyone laughed and hugged some more. It had been a perfect Christmas morning.

The rest of the morning consisted of fashion shows and opening of games and toys. The plan was to get to Heartland at 1:00pm so over the next few hours they relaxed and had family time. Lilly and Max headed over before lunch to help get things set up and help with cooking. Lou, Lisa and Casey had been at it for several hours already. Ty gave the kids the half hour warning and with Wyatt's help loaded up the big SUV with presents and the food they were bringing. They would also take Wyatt's truck for extra storage if needed. The kids decided to dress up a little as the girls wore dresses and the boy collared shirts. As Amy came down Ty just stared at how beautiful she looked. Annie joked, "Dad, focus, it's not mom's fault she is beautiful. And mom, do you always have to look so amazing?" Wyatt had the same expression when Lyndy followed behind her. Again Maddie squawked, "Good lord, know there are two of them. Mom and Lyndy you may need to drive since your men won't be able to focus." They loaded up and were on their way. When the pulled up Amy and Lyndy went immediately to the kitchen to help out. Maddie, Annie and Addie headed to the babies as JT went to find Trent and Shawna, who fell under the family tree due to Mallory. Ty and Wyatt, got out and threw their arms in the air and Ty yelled, "Don't worry, we got everything." Maddie yelled back, "Yep that is the boy's job." Heartland was buzzing with activity. Matthew and Sienna were getting a lot of attention along with Mallory's very small baby bump. The rest of the little kids were milling around the tree looking at presents under the scrutiny of Maddie. The Walsh's and O'Dell's were there as well along with the Saunder's. Their only family was either passed or oversees so they were more than welcomed at the family Christmas. Caleb, Soraya and Mallory were basically like grandkids for Jack anyway and their kids were close to the others. The teen group was out on the enclosed porch, acting cool, although Camilla and the Borden twins were caught looking at presents too. Caroline joined Maddie in present patrol, making sure the gifts were safe. The families settled in enjoying light snacks in prep for the opening of presents and then more formal dinner. With the food laid out the adults sat around the living room and talked. 5 Generations of Bartlet's, Fleming's and Borden's, with others sat talking quietly. The teens took all of the kids to the barn to see the horses except Matthew who sat in his great-great grandpa's arms sleeping. Amy smiled as she leaned into Ty and listening to the banter. Soraya and Mallory were talking about the old days when a smart mouth young delinquent almost got run over by a feisty horsey girl. Dillon, Doug, Jenn, Troy and others who either hadn't heard the story or forgot it listened in. Quietly Wyatt and Lyndy joined the elder group as the kids were handled. Lyndy looked at her dad to see if it was Ok and he simple smiled shaking her head in approval. They were excited to be at the big table with all of the people who they loved and tried to emulate. As the two adopted kids continued they talked of the early days, when the two of them were so hard headed. Mallory laughed, "I think I was the only one who believed they would end up together but man was it a lot of work for me. Ty was clueless and Amy, don't even let me get started with that. When she started using Caleb to get back with Ty it was kind of sad." Caleb spoke up, "Hey was it that obvious?" Lou, Mallory, Soraya and Jack all said yes in unison. The group laughed and Max had to speak up, "I can't believe I have never heard that story. You two had quite the rough start." Amy laughed, "Well he eventually came to his senses and realized I was the one." Soraya scoffed, "Whatever, you loved him forever and finally won him back from Kit. And Ty what was that about? She was not a fit for you at all." The group laughed again as Ty defended himself. "Hey, she was messing around with Caleb so I figured, even though I loved her it was over." Amy finally stepped in, "Well you two thanks from drudging up the past, look at us now. We haven't done to badly. We have six amazing kids, a flourishing business and up to this point a great family, although two of them may be on the outs." Again everyone laughed. Wyatt leaned into Lyndy and whispered, I love this family and I really love you." Mallory noticed and interceded. "Lyndy watch that one, he is a keeper for sure so don't let him get away." The grouped laughed as the two young lovers blushed. Lyndy boldly kissed his cheek and agreed as Tim spoke up, "She is definitely a Fleming girl."

Their relatively quiet conversation was interrupted as a fired up large group of kids got back from the barn. Annie apologized, "Sorry they were getting anxious about presents so we headed back over." Camilla looking frazzled, "Man that is a lot of kids to take care of." Everyone laughed as Jack got everyone's attention. Everyone stopped except Sienna who was still excited in Maddie's arms. Jack passed Matthew to Lisa and grabbed her into his arms. "Matthew, Sienna, Mimi and I think it is time to open presents in 15 minutes. Everyone get cleaned up and lets all get around the tree. And let's be quiet about it." The bright eyed kids looked at him with so much love it brought everyone to tears. JT spoke up to the group, "We got it GG, everyone let's do what the boss says." Tears turned to laughs as they ran to all of the bathrooms as some of the mom's supervised. Ty laughed, "Jack you can still control the room for sure." He smiled passing the babies back to their mom's, "You bet I do." About 10 minutes later all the kids came back quietly and as directed sat in front of the tree close to their parents. Lisa took over, "Ok we are going to start with the young ones. You know we use to do one present at a time, but now with all of you we are going to pass these out and you can open them together when we tell you. Now don't get to crazy, or you know who will let you know about it." The wide eyes kids sat quietly and with help from Casey and Lilly all of the kids got a gift bag. "Now before I say you can open your present we want to let you know that these are from GG and I along with Grandma Casey and Lilly and Grandpa Max and Tim. Now parents there is an envelope that that needs to be opened without ripping it, so you little ones, you may want to have your parents help. We will do that together after the bags are opened." Jack gave the Ok to go. The kids screamed with glee as they opened their gifts from the elder group. The parents and older kids watched in amazement as each of them got a personal gift, some Christmas treats and as promised an envelope. Amy spoke up, "You guys this is amazing, how did you pull this off?" Lisa smiled, "Well some like JT were easy but the rest I have to say that mom's really helped. The kids were oblivious to the conversation as they laughed and giggled sharing their gift with their parents and each other. Jax Stillman was the first to go and hug the elder group and the other kids followed. As they settled Lisa gave a nod to have the parents open their envelope with this kids. As they were opened they parents were overwhelmed. In each envelope there was a personal holiday note and a crisp $100 bill. The parents were over helmed with their generosity, several saying that it was not necessary. The kids were all held on to their cash as the parents read the note to them. Jack got everyone's attention and Lilly took over. "Well we are more than happy to share this with the kids. But kids we need you all to do something with that money. And for the littlest ones, mom and dad you will be in charge. We want you to take that $100 and use it to help someone else. Maybe you can donate it to a charity, buy food for the food bank or help a family that needs help. We want this tradition to become one that this family does moving forward. Deal?" The kids all smiled as most of them understood and again the six elders were overwhelmed with hugs. Lou and Amy looked at each other realizing that they would be responsible for making this tradition a reality moving forward and quietly went to Jack and Lisa and the others committing that they would.

Next it was the older kids up to Wyatts turn. The group was smaller but again the three grandmas handed out bags to them all. Jack laughed, "Now you kids the same rules apply. Stay in control and don't go all crazy and stuff." They all laughed and went to tickle him. "And you little ones, let's make sure we calm and be quiet like they were for you." Maddie laughed, "Come on GG, we want to open our bags." He gave the Ok and each of them pulled out their gits and treats like the others. The parents looked on as they were taken aback at the length they had gone to making sure each gift was personal. Camilla liked jewelry so she got a cool necklace and earrings. Annie held up some bracelets she had wanted to get and Addie lightly screamed as she got set of wrenches she had wanted. She apologized for the outburst and Ty laughed, "What 14 year old girl gets excited about wrenches?" Everyone laughed as she went to poke him in his ribs. Lyndy was tearing up as she opened her gift to find a beautiful necklace holding it up for her mom to see. Amy put her hand to her mouth and tearily whispered, "That was Grandma Lyndy's favorite necklace, I remember." She went to hug her grandpa unable to speak. Lyndy joined her as they hug him with all of their might. After they finished they hugged each of the other elders. When envelope time came it was the same story but it was now 2 crisp $100 bills. Again the generosity overwhelmed the entire group. It wasn't that they couldn't afford it but it was the direction for all of them to pay it forward. As things calmed the group continued to talk quietly. Now it was parents time. Lisa walked out with a bag for every set of parents. Their bags contained a family ornament for their trees at home designating this year's holiday. Ther were also a little more elaborate set of notes, one from each of the elder pairs. As they read them quietly they all tearily smiled. Jack had held back the envelopes and when they settled he gave each couple one. He spoke up, "So as you probably guessed you are getting some cash to. Now like the kids, you can help others or donate it to charity. But you have another option. You can use it for your family, maybe a night out or something you all can enjoy, it is up to you. So go ahead." The couple tentatively opened them up and were startled when they found 4 crisp $500 bills. The room hushed as tears began to flow. Finally Jack broke the silence, "Guys, it just money. The real purpose of this is to take the success we have had and use it for others. We love all of you and want to continue to enjoy each other and build our legacy. We are so happy to call all of you our family. Merry Christmas!" As the group calmed down, Ty and Amy stood up, "Well there is one more present we need to give to Lyndy, so let's head outside. The family walked out as Caleb, Ben and Steven were standing next to a covered vehicle. Lyndy was bubbling with excitement, hoping it was what she thought it was. Wyatt went over as Ty and Amy held their daughter, the other Borden kids gathering around her. Wyatt smiled broadly pulling the tarp down and yelling, "Merry Christmas Lyndy!" Lyndy eyes along with most everyone else teared up and she ran to her new-old truck. She looked all over it as Addie talked about everything that was done to it. She listened but really didn't understand everything. She hopped in the driver's seat and fired it up as it purred like a kitten. Jack laughed, "Sounds pretty good there Lyndy!" The family hovered around the truck and the excited new driver. Lyndy hugged Addie for the hundredth when she came over to her parents. She smiled warmly without saying a word. This was the best gift ever and one that would be with her for many years. The excitement calmed as hugs and thank yous went around the room. There were a few more things exchanged but soon the family sat down and after a prayer led my Lisa they enjoyed Christmas dinner.

After dinner people started to head home with sleepy babies and kids. Amy and Ty snuck out for a walk alone to the pond. Lyndy was the only one to noticed them and smiled so happy that they were so close. The sun had just set and it was a little chilly so they sat on the overturned john boat that had been there for decades and meant l lot to them. Ty laughed, "You know if it wasn't for my cat like reflexes you could have killed me that day." She rolled her eyes and smiled, "Whatever. What Grandpa and the others did this afternoon was really special. I talked to Lou and told her it will be our responsibility to keep that tradition going. She agreed and we assured Grandpa we would." Ty smiled, "I was really hoping long ago that we would forge our own traditions and look at us now. Amy, I know I have told you this but many years ago I never thought I would see my 21st birthday. This place and mostly you saved me. I mean, look what we have done and more importantly look at how much more we will do." They sat quietly completely entwined in each other's arms. Amy leaned up and kissed him on his lips. They kissed for several minutes, relishing the time together." She smiled, "Ty Borden, you saved me to. My mom had died and I was lost, but early on I saw that you were a good person and a great friend, one that I needed. And you were also a great kisser." They giggled and continued to hold each other as the brightness of the sunset faded. Their thoughts were on their lives, their family and their future. A future that would continue to bring joy and happiness for many generations to come.