Chris writing: Seeing as we have been useless for weeks now (enjoying each other's company) it's about time we posted some new things. So here goes.

I arrived in America on 22 December - at last! - having finished my final few concerts in Europe. The winter term is always the hardest; over 40 concerts in around 4 months, and I was very tired. It was wonderful to see Stephanie despite my tiredness, and to catch up with all her friends and family. I'm still hoping to see more of them before I go back next week (although I'm trying not to think about that). I had a day to recover before my parents arrived from Philadelphia, where they had been spending a few days with friends after flying in from New Zealand where they now live. It was great to see them, and to spend Christmas in Stephanie's wonderfully decorated house. I have never seen so much time and effort going into a Christmas period; decorations, food, drink, and that special family feeling that you only get at this time of year. We decorated the tree together on the 23 (Stephanie had waited for me before doing this) and went to church on Christmas Eve (where Stephanie sang like an angel - the first time I had heard her sing live!), before unwrapping all our gifts on Christmas Morning and setting off for Stephanie's uncle and aunt's house for Christmas Dinner. There I met more members of Steph's family, and renewed acquaintances with those I had already met. They have all welcomed me into the family in an amazing way, which I really appreciate as it's not easy to be so inclusive to new people, especially if they're from across the pond!

I loved the bustle and friendliness of the whole day, as did my parents. I think some aspects of America are a big change for them, but I was proud of their willingness to join in, accept the differences and enjoy their stay. Christmas Day also made me realise how much love the family has for Stephanie, and how important it is that I take care of her properly for them!

It was wonderful to see the pile of gifts growing daily under the tree, and we all received so much more than we could have hoped for - it was one surprise after another. What made it for me was a special book Stephanie had made, one each for me, my parents and her mother, which tracked our time together in words and pictures, and which was superbly put together by her on her Mac. It looks so professional, but means a lot as well. I will cherish it - especially when we are apart, as I can of course take it on tour with me.

Since Christmas itself, we have been relaxing, showing my parents around Kentucky (including a great day at Shaker Village ending with us going to see the Narnia film - which I highly recommend, although I wish they had filmed the Magician's Nephew first as now they are going to have to miss it out of the story) and catching up on family time; the house seemed busy with the number of people wandering around, reading, watching tv, talking and eating. I haven't had a family Christmas in years, with my parents living so far away, so it was an amazing time for me - the best Christmas ever! Oh, and we've just come back from 4 days skiing and visiting friends in WV and Virginia, but I'll let Stephanie (now not such a beginner at skiing) tell you all about that.