We spend the week before Christmas here and, of course, saw Rogue One. It was great! Becca's comment was (SPOILER!) "Why did everyone have to die?" to which I replied "Because none of them were in A New Hope!"
Christmas morning at home is always fun and a little crazy. All the kids got great things, but the head lamps for Pat, Becca & George and the reading lamp for Lia seemed to take the cake that morning.
Patrick also got a (rather small) drone from Santa. Here is Mike trying to teach him how to fly it.
Mary wasn't sure what to think.
George is shining a light on the drone. I told you it was small.
We then headed to Wisconsin to see G&G Hatton. Mike took advantage of the high ceiling and scared the crap out of his mom.
I tried on one of the kids new hats.
They kids climbed into someone's lap to hear a story. Can you believe it?
When we got home, we took a picture of the kids in their hats from Aunt Annie. I'm not sure if it was the hat or being held, but Mary was not happy about it at all.
Yesterday, we celebrated Patrick's birthday (a day early) at the ice rink. Lia finally got to go skating.
And everything was a race for Pat.
Pat's friend Ellie was able to join us again this year, adding to the fun.
Today is Patrick's 11th birthday. Its hard to believe he's so old already! He had basketball practice at 7AM this morning, giving me a taste of our future with him running off to do his own thing.
I've heard so much whining about how terrible 2016 has been. But I will remember it as the year my faith was assured, my life was spared, and our Mary came to us. We end this year in good health and humor, surrounded by loving friends and family, counting our many blessings. I hope you all can remember the joy and forget the rest and embrace 2017 with love in your hearts.