All the Christmas stuff

This candle was first started over 70 years ago by my grandmother when she and my grandfather were newlyweds and didn't have much in the way of Christmas decorations. So she burned a candle and the drippings began to compile on a paper plate underneath the candle. She did this each Christmas and the drippings grew and grew. When her children moved out, she melted the wax and made Christmas candles for both of them, so I grew up burning a Christmas candle each night during the Christmas season. Then when my sister and I moved out, my mom melted ours down and gave one to Ambra and I. This year we again read 1 chapter of Luke each night and who ever read got to light the candle, while the other kid got to play with the wax- both important jobs, but it was the latter that I used to love the most...

Again this year I wanted to make a homemade gingerbread house for the kids to decorate- 

And they squawked about having to decorate it- until they started it and they had SO much fun!

And it was such a good use of the 2 month old Halloween candy that no one was eating. Look at the chimney filled with skittles, and the weird snowman robot on the roof- 

Macy got in on the Ernie fun this year- 

The following morning Ernie didn't move far, but he was weight lifting- 

Oh the things I volunteer Brian for... this year the embassy needed Santa to meet the kids virtually. Sure, Brian will do it! From the comfort of home- 

I had to put a note on the door for my own kids not to use the door- 

It was such a hit that I thought we should do it for our own nieces a few days later. First up- Brooklyn. 

Peter captured this precious picture of Gracie and "Santa" 

Brian was also Santa at the Embassy one day- 

And the next day he was Buddy The Elf- 

 I have since learned that he draws the line at being the Easter Bunny...

Not my favorite tree ever, but it did bring us joy- 

Christmas Eve- SWIMMING WITH FRIENDS! This was a first for our kids- 

Meanwhile Brian and I hosted a little backyard sipping soirée for friends with our homemade Christmas Kahlua, Egg Nog and new addition Baileys. 

We took that selfie, but forgot to get a group picture. Just for memory- the Snyders, Jones and Quinlans came.

We made each couple a mini take home bottle of each liquor they sampled- 

Then we headed out to dinner. The kids requested we go back to the same Italian restaurant that we went to last year. But first- some fun "Christmas decoration" selfies- 

After dinner, Macy gave us all new pajamas! She REALLY wanted to get is all making pajamas and started the search for them back in October. It was very sweet to see her enthusiasm. After dinner we came home and played another round of Reindeer Games- 

Okay, time for bed.... Santa is coming!

Tate woke up to find a bird cage in the living room from his bird loving Grandfather- 

But before opening any presents, he once again read the story of Jesus' birth aloud from the bible- 

My favorite breakfast of the year- our eggnog paired with my moms ricotta roll-

A giant box of goodies from the Leadbetter's-

Somewhere along our summer travels, Tate lost his favorite shirt. Grandmommy was happy to send him a replacement- 

Once again, the kids woke up millionaires- 

A box of fun from the Melendez's- 

Macy knew exactly what she wanted to give to Tate for Christmas- a soda stream machine because he loves bubbly water. However, Tate wasn't sure what he wanted to give Macy... he got very creative-

inside was a website for her to go to and when there.... she got "rick-rolled."

Tate got some fun toys for the bird cage, and the birds will come after we return from our post-Christmas trip

Another giant box of sweet stuff from Auntie Kristen-

Grandmommy did so well with lots of favorite cereals- 

We used Grampy's money to buy Macy the outrageously expensive backpack that she has coveted since arriving in Germany-

Brian knows me so well- 

It's an electronic mosquito zapper!

And this right here is a big ol' mess- 

Does Tate even notice? Nope. Sure kid, just read your new book... I got this. NOT!

As always, Brian was in charge of Christas dinner, and he did not disappoint this year- 

Merry Christmas from our home to yours!

Sadly. on Christmas morning we said good-bye to Brian's dad. While we were opening presents we got the call that the time was close to his passing, so Brian and I Facetimed with them and watched while his gift from Brian was opened. It was a beautiful blanket with photos of all of George's family, near and far, old and new. After opening the blanket, Cathryn saw him mouth the words "love you" which were no doubt for Brian. The last words I will remember hearing him say to us was a few weeks before, when it had become very difficult for him to talk and at the end of our quick conversation, he said "take care of yourselves." And that was so George- never focused on himself or his hardships, but instead on all the ones that he loved. 

Sadly, on the morning of Dec 26, George passed away at home, with Gill by his side. The whole family os lost without him. He was a remarkable man and I was lucky to have him as a mentor Dad for over 18 years. He will be missed by us all.