2020 Christmas Tree

Like most everything, getting the Christmas tree was a bit strange this year.  It was almost 60 degrees outside which means no snow, boots, or snow clothing.  The walk from the van to the trees was very easy and fast.  Mike took this lovely picture of Becca, Mary and me as we made our way out the field.

Daddy, I want that one!

Becca makes her choice.

Dad starts the cutting.

Mary gets the first turn at cutting after Dad.

Then Cecilica.

Followed by George.

Next was Patrick.

With Becca doing the final cut.

The kind people at Grady's even brought out the wagon for us to get back.

It was Cecilia's turn to put the angel on top.  She was very excited to get up on Dad's shoulders.

Now we have the photo shoot of all the kids and the dog in front of the tree.

As George got more goofy Patrick got more grumpy.

And last but not least, the tree stands alone.

We continue to be healthy but are starting to grade on each other's nerves...a lot.  The girls have 4 days of e-learning left before break and the boys are finished on Dec. 22nd.   We don't know if we'll get to see any of you over the holidays but we will be praying for you and thinking of you.  

Thanksgiving 2020

Like everything else this year, Thanksgiving was a little different this year.  Becca had to take a picture of her eating fruit and I liked it.

There was some dog-thing on Facebook and this is the pose Tilly gave me.

And then gave George some kisses.

George and me, his second favorite girl.

My siblings and I were texting about what we were having for dinner so I took some pictures.  These 3 loaves of bread were gone from Saturday.

The turkey rested before it was carved.  It was so juicy, the meat just fell off the bone.

Mashed potatoes and gravy finishing up.

The family is ready to eat.  I look Mike in the back ground.

My beautiful plate full of food.  It was empty in under 10 minutes.

We kept the Hatton tradition alive and made the kids do the dishes.  Here they are lined up to dry.

My only real contribution was the pies.  The cherry was a little under baked which made it delicious!

After dinner, the dish washing machine decided it had had enough.  It seems the mother board over heated and some stuff melted.  We bought a new one on Saturday.

Becca received another birthday present over the week.  2 Hamilton themed t-shirts made by Erin Katricak at E & S Creative.

 

Our town has added a new feature.  Here is Lincoln and the Common Man who is now wearing a Santa hat.

We have a lot to be thankful for this year.  We are all healthy, the kids are getting a education, and we are surrounded by friends and family who love and respect us.  We are thankful for all of you.

November birthdays

November 3rd is a twice blessed day in this house.  This year Becca turned 13(!) and Cecilia turned 8.  We officially  have two teenagers in the house, although Becca has been one for a couple of years now.

All my girls.

This year we had homemade pumpkin pie for dessert.  The candles look so cool on top of pie.

Let's open some presents!

Becca has picked Saint Maria Goretti as her confirmation saint so I got her a book on her.

Cecilia also got this crystal unicorn head for her birthday.  We first grew the crystals over night then she got to paint it.  I think it turned out pretty well.

We do have other kids.  A random picture of George in the van.

Patrick' Cross Country picture.

I don't know why I took this but we were waiting to pick at school.

A school picture in which George is smiling!  Inconceivable!

A few day ago, Mary sat down next to me at the kitchen table and read these two books.  Not just reciting the words she's heard a million times, but actually sounding out the words.  I did have to teach her "are" and "you" but she did extremely well.  I guess I don't have to worry about her having dyslexia, huh?

We are now doing remote learning with 3 out of the 5 kids but have the feeling we'll all be home after Thanksgiving.  We are all trying our best to be patient and kind with each other, I keep thanking them for it.  Our poor internet is already working overtime.  We continue to pray for all of you, all those who are sick with or without Covid, and for our country and world at large.  God loves us and wants us to come back to Him.