Oh these turkeys. They fill our days with movement, noise and joy!
For the past few years, we've enjoyed reading the book
Ishtar's Odyssey during Advent.
The first piano recital that included Jonas!!!
Afterwards we went to Cenare's for a delicious Italian dinner to celebrate Jonas' real birthday!
Dominic's first violin recital with Mrs. Burns studio. We were treated to a lovely feast with friends afterwards, it was so special!!!
I hosted my bunco group's annual ornament exchange and it did not disappoint! We laughed, we feasted and spent time in fellowship together. It filled my cup!
Speaking of cup fillers, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention THESE two friends I've made at my gym who I have to talk to at least 10 times a day. They keep me GOING physically AND emotionally! :) Love these treasured friends of mine, Amber and Shay!
Steve and Kristin wanted to treat the boys to Santa's Wonderland for the first time this year for Christmas, and we enjoyed a fun family adventure there! Lesley's boyfriend Joshua and his two daughters also joined us and it was great to have them with us!
On probably the coldest day of December, we came out to the nursing home to sing Christmas carols to the residents with our couples group. We look so much forward to this event each year!
Our Christmas Eve "Kucios" dinner was at Senele's home this year, and she always does such a beautiful job setting the tone for us to prepare for the Christ child! We are so grateful to her for the way she brings the liturgical calendar and traditions to life in a meaningful, tangible way at home.
We attended the children's Mass again this year and Dominic played a duet with Bronius of O Come All Ye Faithful on the violin for the prelude. It was a special memory and I'm sad I missed the chance to take a picture! But sometimes living in the moment is more important. ;)
We love these kitty boys. They are making our house a home!
Christmas morning found us assembling some bikes that our families graciously all helped donate towards!!! We are soooo excited about getting some family bike rides in for 2017!
Mom and Dad holding up a sweet pillow at Steve and Kristin's home. They did a beautiful job hosting their first family Christmas dinner!!!
The day after Christmas is Dad's birthday, on the feast of St. Stephen his namesake. It was also his mother's birthday, so it is a very special date in our family! :) We celebrated with music, going out for pizzas and seeing Moana together! Happy Birthday, Daddy, we love you!
Phew. I told you it was a mega post! Time to put my feet up and take a nap with my little furry buddy! ;) Thanks for coming by to visit! Hoping you and yours have a very Happy, Blessed and Healthy New Year!!!!
