December Update
December started with a lovely visit from Brian's sister Lisa. We picked her up from the airport and she spent a few days with us where she got to see Hadley's skating lessons, before heading to visit Julie and Selinah. We are so lucky to see her so often this year.
The rest of that first week was spent getting a Christmas tree, counting money at the school for different fundraisers, and doing the breakfast program, and getting gift baskets ready for a school raffle. Plus shopping, and wrapping presents.
The Verkley Christmas was early this year at Maria's so that Lisa could join in the fun and visit with all the Verkley's while in town. It was at the end of her visit, so, Lisa came home with us as it would be easier to get her to the airport from our house, so we got to enjoy more time visiting.
I enjoyed a mommy night out with all the moms from our group. Patti, Annie, Krista, Chaylee, Christine, Beth, Lori, and myself. It is rare that all eight of us can get together, so this was quite special. (We are usually pretty good with most of us, but all of us, is rare). We talked the night away, and let time slip by as we all easily conversed about life. We have been friends since our babies were less than a year old.
The holiday concert this year at the school was for grades k-3, so none of my kids were in it, however, Hadley was in the Choir, so we did go see the show as she was signing. She loves being in the choir. She takes such pride in it.
I had another girls night out with Stacey and Lindsay this time. We met at Union Station in Toronto and then went on to enjoy dinner and drinks while we talked about the good times, some hardships, and the strength we have all had to preserver though the tough times. It is always nice to get together. This year marked 5 years since the passing of Lindsay's sister Sarah, Stacey's husband just had a stroke and is learning to walk again, and while our challenges seem small, we were navigating Brian being unemployed. Update to that... Brian started a new job at AWS (Amazon Web Services on December 23).
We enjoyed Christmas at Brian's dad's house where we met up with Joe, Paul, Julie, Selinah, Patti Jo and Patti Jo's dad Bill. Hadley loved time with the cats, and Easton wanted to play hide and seek in their house as it has a front and back stair case.
My family humoured me and we went to see the Uxbridge Fantasy of Lights. While they all say they don't care if they go, I secretly think they all appreciate it.
I love Christmas lights!
Brian's mom, sister Julie and Selinah came to stay with us for a few days to enjoy some more Christmas time together. We all loved the baby snuggles.
We even watched a few movies and they all came to watch Easton play hockey.
Hometown Hockey was in Whitby this weekend! We didn't really do much but we were at the rink and saw a few of the festivities in the parking lot.
My dads Christmas felt different this year. I think the kids are getting older and not as crazy, more actual connecting. I love that. My grandma and my cousin Pamela were also there for a short visit. I know it is a big effort for my grandma to get there so I appreciate it all the more.
Tonight we are hosting 15 people, plus our family of 4 for New Years Eve festivities. I think we might be crazy, but we wouldn't have it any other way.