Merry Christmas 2023

 Christmas plans were a bit different this year since AJ's brain surgery was scheduled for the 19th.  Our usual Christmas Eve plans with Scott's family were pushed back to the 30th.  She ended up getting COVID that week and was better by Christmas Eve so we invited Scott's parents and the Salings over for a very casual taco/nacho bar, drinks, and cards.  Matt and Mindy had other plans so we didn't do any traditional Christmas activities (exchanging gifts, games, etc.) until the 30th.  It was a nice evening, but definitely felt very different this year.

After everyone left the boys put out carrots for the reindeer and cookies for Santa.  I read The Night Before Christmas in my bed while the Santa Tracker was on.  We went all out knowing it's likely our last year of believers/partial believers.  

The kids were up around 7am antsy to go downstairs and to see if the Big Guy visited!  I think they were happy with their loot this year.  Sean got a big Lego set from Santa (Viking Village) and Evan got the Bruce Bolt batting gloves he wanted with some baseball cards.  

We made breakfast and headed out for 11am mass at church.  After mass we got the house ready and appetizers ready for my parents and uncle who were coming over.  We exchanged gifts with my parents while doing a Facetime call with Eric and Ana.  And then it was Italian foods for dinner (pasta, lasagna, meatballs, salad, etc.).  Yum!  We had Christmas cookies for dessert and played Uno.  

We finally wrapped up Christmas celebrations on the 30th over at my in-laws house.  It was a small group this year; no cousins.  Unfortunately, Sydney got COVID and wasn't able to be there, but Josh left after dinner and brought her food and her gifts.  We Facetimed her to open gifts after dinner.  This year we added some "Minute to win it" games to the mix and it was so much fun.  I hope it's something we do every year!

Can't believe how grown up the kids are looking!  Time sure is flying!  It was a nice Christmas season with family.