Just Us: Holiday Updates

We live in a seasonal dilemma. On one hand, we get excited about the holidays and look forward to spending time with our families. On the other hand, there are so many things we have to do to prepare. We run around shopping look for the perfect gifts. We eat out. We rush to send out cards. We haul down decorations and after a day or two, all of them blend into the scenery and the initial "ah" moment is gone. By January, we are beat, poor and overweight.

But, no matter what, being with our families is the best the season has to offer. We headed back to Cleveland early in December and got to see the grandchildren, our sisters/brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews and old friends. It was great.

We did not go to our Financial Planner's Christmas party this year, opting rather to support a family member with some serious health issues. It was a good choice, as things are getting better now.

We also got to see Jenna and Jon's new house and how beautiful it is. The kids took us on a tour of their bedrooms. When we got to the boy's room (all 3 share a huge room), Sam pulled up his bedspread and said, "look, Momo, box springs, they bounce better." And then he proceeded to get up on the bed and jump up and down....which, of course, meant that Zack, Ben and Ellie had to do the same thing. The kitchen was so much better than the one they had in their Lakewood house, like Jon said, "hey, now more than one person can be in the kitchen at the same time!"

We got some updated pictures and had a really good time. I just can't believe how big they are all getting. Zack warmed up to us and even gave hugs and kisses. Ellie is a princess and enjoyed her piggyback rides on Papa. She is very proud of having her own room. Ben is huge. He is growing up so fast, but is just as thin as always. Sam is wild. He is a tornado with a big grin. That is one, happy kid.

We also got to see Chris, Shannon and Emma--who is just as beautiful as always. She is talking well and is a real character. She calls Dixie, "Dipsey."

On this visit, we were able to see my niece, Sarah and her significant other, Steven. They rented an apartment together in Parma that is really nice. Watching her and Tony in the kitchen talking about pans was a real hoot. Our nephew, Joey, came to sister lunch so I got to see him before he went to work. He is much like Ben--tall and very narrow!!

From Cleveland, with a one day stop at our house, we went to Charlotte to babysit for the kids so Tony and Marie could go to their company holiday party. Poor Anthony has some acid reflux problems and cries a lot after eating. When he is not suffering and in pain, he is all smiley and vocal. It's like he's trying to carry on a conversation with you. Coleton is one beautiful boy. His school had their gift exchange and Tony got some good pictures of him and his classmates enjoying their new toys. Tony is back in Charlotte today, helping out and I am home with Dixie.

Behold our beautiful family: