2016 Christmas

So, who can believe that 2016 is almost over?  Not me.  Just like 2015 (a year I can't even remember) this year just evaporated. 

 

We have slowly gotten into the season.  Our tree is up, as are our stockings and our "Noel" sign that Shannon got us a few years ago, although, I think this year, Tony put it up as "Leon" instead of Noel (OK, maybe that was me.)  Either way, it looks nice, as always.  We also got a small green tree that lights up for the front porch.  I wanted something Christmas related out there and it looks nice when I drive in from work at night. 
 

A week or so ago, we sat out on the lanai and had a fire in the chiminea with the tree on, it was really nice out there. Brisk, but not cold.  Winter in North Carolina is certainly different from Cleveland.  I used to tease David about having thin blood from living in Tampa when he came to Cleveland and complained that he was cold when it was only in the 50's.  Now, I'm complaining too.  It's nice to be able to flip a switch and have the fireplace come on instead of asking Tony to build a fire like I did when we were in our house in Strongsville.   That was work. 

In other Christmas news, we got a nice gift from Jenna and Jon--they sent us an ornament with the kids pictures on it.  It is proudly displayed on our tree and will be year after year.

We look forward to the holidays and while we will miss our "kids" and their families being here on Christmas day, we are happy knowing that they are creating their own traditions in the warmth of their own homes.

Enjoy the Christmas season Carolina style!!

 

 

Here's me photo bombing Tony after decorating the tree!!

 

 

 

Our Christmas Creation!  In front of our grape lights and beach sign!!

 

The ornament from Jenna and Jon

 

A Christmas tree on the lanai ....the North Carolina way!

 

The silly green tree that lights up that I just love!

 

 

Here it is--all lit up!

 

Tony wrapping a gift....

 

 

Anyone who has received wrapped gifts from either Tony or me, can automatically tell who wrapped it--here's Tony using his ruler as a straight edge to ensure a nice, tight, corner of a beautifully wrapped gift!

 

 

Noel, stockings and nudes...Christmas at the Swegle's!