Christmas 2023

I think what set this Christmas apart was how much family fun we fit into a few long days! With Christmas on a Monday, we went to school right up to the final days before Christmas. That made it tough to get everything ready, and as the kids said, to get in the Christmas spirit. Mary and Annie also got sick the week before school got out, which threw everything in flux. (Though it also proved useful, since Annie is an excellent gift wrapper and with everyone else at school and work, she was very productive.) But finally, we all made it to break and jumped in with two feet!

As has become a tradition, we spent the first night of break in Kalamazoo for pizza at Bilbos, a walk through Bronson Park, coffee at Water Street, last-minute shopping at Rocket Fizz, and Hallmark movies with Aunt Pam!

Then we headed home (bringing Pam with us) for a long afternoon of baking treats. Just in the nick of time, because the next day was Christmas Eve! I am loving the Sunday Christmas Eve, with church then a Christmas party, then church again. 

Christmas Day was delightful. The kids were so happy and excited, and seemed to love giving their gifts (almost) as much as opening them. We stretched out the gift-opening to two solid hours, which is just how I like it. Then it was time for the Christmas Waffles party, which eventually blended into dinner of Swedish meatballs and homemade pasta. We got to host lots of family and friends, including a few happy surprises - later, we figured out that we'd had 20 people over throughout the day! 

The celebration continued into the next day with the Wacyk party at Erin's. It was so warm that we spent most of the time sitting outside around the campfire! The party included an informal concert with the kids and parents playing piano, flute, guitar, and ukulele. 

The next two days were filled with birthday celebrations and more houseguests! John came to town and we grilled out for Kevin's birthday and to enjoy a last visit with Genny and Jason. Our days of partying came to a close with our semiannual donut party to say goodbye :( to Dave, Laurel, and Roger, then birthday fun with DJ's friends. 

We are so grateful for these fun-filled days, but we are also delighted to have a long stretch of break still ahead of us. I have big plans for reading and reflecting on the year in my new robe and slippers.

Rainy night at Candy Cane Lane

Cookie decorating marathon ft. Ethan

Christmas Eve service

Christmas morning!

Jason and Genny taught the girls how to make pasta

Surprise cousin visits!