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. But, one time I got to this point and it said 75 minutes, so could have been worse. And, 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 an 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.