Christmas and End of December

Christmas was, as always, amazing. Everyone was up around 6:45. We opened our stockings then took a break to make the traditional breakfast casserole. We each opened a few presents and then had breakfast. Then, we slowly opened the remainder of gifts. Everyone was happy with what they received and gifted. 

Some of us watched How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Luke and Kara gave Anna an air track and the three of them played on it outside. I puzzled and read. Jack went to the park and played baseball with a friend. The boys watched football. Anna made a video for her YouTube channel. Kara spent time learning how to use her new camera. It was peaceful, relaxing day.

Luke said his favorite gift was his new mitt. Thomas gave Jack an old set of biographies (late 1800s to early 1900s) which Thomas has treasured. He bought them from the antiquities section of the St. Mary's County Annual book sale several years ago. They are marked with the name and notes of the original author, who Thomas researched. He passed it all on to Jack. I wasn't sure it was a great gift, as Jack is out of space for books, but Jack loved it. Kara got the camera and lenses she had wished for. And, I think Anna's favorite is her air track. She also finally got her Roller Rabbit pajamas, which we very reluctantly purchased (they are ridiculously expensive for pajamas). Thomas said he couldn't choose a favorite gift and likes everything. My favorite thing that I gave him is probably a giant Burt's Bees container filled with chapstick. He really likes Burt's Bees and I thought the container was funny. He also got his requisite baseball cards and some other gifts. Thomas gave me a custom puzzle and a "puzzle of the month club", where he will create a themed puzzle for every month this year. As I have mentioned--I am a lazy puzzler. I like them to be around 500 pieces so I can clearly see the pieces and I like bright, easily discernible colors. I am not really up for a challenge. And, while the puzzle he created is 500 pieces, the pieces are really small. So, I am a little nervous. But, January's puzzle is a cool picture of all the kids sitting in a tree that we took in January a few years ago, so I am looking forward to giving it a try.

Luke with his new mitt, slippers, watch, clothes, and his favorite--candy necklace.

Jack and Anna also exchange the same Barbies. He's also wearing new clothes, including a really soft Cariloha sweatshirt.

Thomas and his Darth Vader snowman Funko.

The rest of the week passed similarly. We ate leftovers for days. On Saturday, we visited my dad. Unfortunately, he was having a rough morning. It was actually the worst I've seen him. We went to the dining room and played a few rounds of spoons, but he was not really up to the visit. So, we left after about 45 minutes so he could go back to bed. I wasn't ready to face the drive home yet, so we went to Chick-Fil-A and to Lakeland Square Mall, which was the best local mall back in my day. It had a lot of empty space, but was not nearly as vacant as many malls. We enjoyed walking around; Luke and Anna got new shoes. 

The mall had some fun photo-opps. We didn't even know the Magic had an affiliate team in Lakeland (just looked it up and they don't--they used to play in Lakeland, but are now in Kissimmee). Anna did not want to pose, but here's the other kids:

Then, we headed out--it took us close to two hours to get home. I was glad our drive to Lakeland had been pleasant and quick (57 minutes) as the traffic on both sides of the road was now horrendous. There are a few good times to travel on that highway (I-4), but unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to time it for both directions. 

This sign was after we had already been in stop-and-go traffic for about 20 minutes. If there's ever an accident, just forget about it, you're looking at hours. 

The next few days were quiet. It is now New Year's Eve. Luke has an orthodontist appointment and we need to get the ingredients for our annual cheese fondue. I am not sure if we will stay up. Thomas and I are still off from work, which has been amazing. Thomas did work a few hours yesterday and I have worked a bit here and there and will probably work at least half a day on Thursday, but still it's been very nice. Christmas is a good time to take leave because most people do, so we don't have to go back to work with a full inbox. And, the kids are definitely enjoying the break from school.

December Highlights (pre-Christmas Day)

December has been a very busy, fun month. I am super far behind, so I am going to do a highlights type post.

SeaWorld: We love SeaWorld at Christmas. They do an amazing job decorating the park and have fun Christmas shows. Thomas and I, with various kids on various days, went three or four times, usually on Friday nights. Kara also went one night with her friends. We did the food booths and enjoyed passholder perks, like free samples (except Jack, who does not have a pass).

We loved the Rudolph-themed photo opps.

Including Yukon Cornelius!

Disney: Wednesdays were Disney days. We went to Hollywood Studios once and Epcot twice. We love Epcot's Christmas Around the World festival. Like last year, I bought a Disney gift card when it was on sale at Sam's Club ($200 for $180) and we let everyone get whatever they wanted at the food booths. The first night, we also did the cookie stroll. You buy five cookies and then get a prize; this year it was gingerbread cookie dough. That night, we ate way too much. So, the second visit, we just got our favorites, which only included one cookie. (Last year, I reread my cookie stroll blog to remind me which cookies I liked, so for future reference--the spiced hot chocolate crinkle is still my favorite, the linzer was also good, I did not like the snickerdoodle, or the coffee. The pb was okay. Although, my other tip to my future self is to just skip the cookie stroll.) Everyone made it to Epcot at least once. Thomas bought a sweatshirt from England that he really wanted last year. It sold out last year, so we kept checking this year to buy it as soon as it hit the store. Anyway, we had a lot of fun at Epcot, but Thomas and I never managed our daytime visit to hear the Christmas storytellers or see the Voices of Liberty singers. Maybe next year!

Thomas is wearing his new sweatshirt.

Universal: Anna and I went once, on a random Tuesday night (December 17th). It was surprisingly empty, and we rode a ton of rides in just a few hours. We even waited for the front row of Velocicoaster. It was a very fun night. Thomas wanted to go, but after a three-year hiatus, his cluster headaches are back. I am not sure if I have written about his headaches, but cluster headaches are extremely intense and debilitating. He has shots he can take for the peak of the pain, but even with the shot, he is left with a shadow headache that is still more painful than a regular, bad headache. Anyway, he is in a rough cycle right now, with both daily and nightly clusters. A cycle is always really hard, but having them in December has been especially sad.

That covers the theme parks, which has been a big part of our December fun. As I have said, and will continue to say--there is nothing quite like going to Disney on a random Wednesday night! 

In other news, Anna hosted a fun holiday party for her friends. They did a white elephant gift exchange (but, were too nice to steal each other's gifts), sang Christmas karaoke, and hung out. It was Anna's first time hosting and she enjoyed it. 

Luke had two baseball tournaments this month. His team made it to the Championship game for both, but could not quite swing the victory. Still second place was amazing! I guess USSSA agrees, because his team got moved to their top level for next season. That is actually a little disappointing, because I don't think they won any USSSA tournaments. They were always competitive, but I think moving up might be discouraging. His team's record was 24-12-2, so we shall see how next year goes. Luke played really well and had great stats, both for pitching and batting. I hope he continues to enjoy it.

I helped with Luke's class Christmas party. He rotates between two teachers and they asked the room moms to handle the party. Which we did. We had the kids rotate between the two rooms where we decorated gingerbread people, did holiday trivia, played minute-to-win-it games, holiday charades, etc. I think it went well and Luke said he had fun. 

I can't believe I had my props backwards! But, I still love this picture with Luke.

Thomas, Kara and I went to the high school's Prism concert. It showcased all the performing arts, including Jack's band. It was festive and fun. Jack also took the SAT. He did very well and will secure 100% Bright Futures once he completes his volunteer hours. 

On Saturday, the 23rd, I took Anna, Kara and Luke to Marta's. They participated in their annual Gingerbread Manger making with Marta and Elizabeth. I dropped them off and then went and met my sister. We had lunch and a nice visit, then I went back to Marta's to hang out. 

Throughout the month, we went for multiple walks around the neighborhood. Thomas and I watched lots of Hallmark movies. We, plus some of the kids, also watched Christmas Vacation and Home Alone and Christmas episodes from some of our favorite shows, with Yankee Swap (The Office) and Regionals (Community) being the top two.

On Christmas Eve, my sister's family and Kevin came to enjoy dinner with us. I did not take any pictures, but we had a good time. That night, we went for a walk. The kids opened their pajamas (a tradition we tried to nix this year, but were met with intense protest). Thomas read The Night Before Christmas and we called it a night.

It has been a December to Remember!