2018 Christmas Break

The kids had 10 days break. I had 17 days break this year. David mostly took a week off between Christmas and New Years. It’s been very relaxing. We haven’t gone anywhere or done much. We’ve been home a lot, playing in the house and relaxing. I really think this is how the kids prefer it. We had a few Christmas parties, one st my cousins, one at my moms and another at the Ps house. Katie and crew were heat for four short days. We saw Jerred and crew twice. 

We played a lot of games. We had a lot of junk food. We read some books. We watched several movies. We cleaned the house and messed it up again, several times. We tried going snow tubing but Max’s stomach was a mess that day, so staying home was best. 

I drank a lot of my favorite wine and gained the holiday five pounds. 

We traveled this year only a little - New York City for the summer and the outer banks in the fall. It wasn’t a crazy amount this year. I think it feels like more because my work does take me many places these days. This year I went to Poland three times for work. I also attended a handful of conferences and meetings across the east coast. I have come to appreciate my business travel again. Travel is a joy, most of the time. I’m grateful to David and the kids for holding down the fort so I can enjoy that gift when it comes. 

Tonight is New Year’s Eve. We will have a family New Years celebrations with tacos, games, and laser tag. The kids want to ring in the New Years and watch the ball drop. Our nye crew will be missed. Two days and we are back to the routine. 

What a great year it has been. The kids are healthy and learning. They love each other and genuinely enjoy each other’s company most days. David has started his own business and though he’s busier, I think he’s happy about it. I’m content with work and even enjoy it some days. We have our health. We have an awesome home. We are blessed. 

Into 2019 we march. There will be learning, tears, sports and travels. There will be music and arts. There will be busy,crazy days. There will be adventures and challenges. I seek to experience the day to day joys more intently this year. I want to give that ability to my kids. That’s my goal for 2019. I pray that life isn’t too busy for me not to achieve this. It’s surely a challenge. 

I enjoyed visits with Mikey!

Christmas Eve dinner out was relaxing. 

Christmas dinner!

We hosted cousin Christmas. 

Aunt Katie and Clair had a sleepover. 

Mike taught Ellie to rock climb and she enjoyed it. 

Another successful Christmas at Gramma’s.