Xmas Day

We spent the day eating & drinking, and of course doing a puzzle. I upped the ante this year with a 750 piece pic of Phoenix that was quite hard. Katie wouldn't let us quit without finishing, so about 3am (on the 26th) we finally went to bed. But it was finished.

Xmas Morning

Owen swore he heard Santa on the roof during the night. The kids were up about 6am. Once Nana T and Poppy arrived, we started opening gifts and eating sweet rolls. Tip had a pretty good first Xmas. Of course, he was the best gift of all.

Xmas Eve

 The big hit this year was that Winchester pump action .22 rifle. It was the same rifle that Bobbins' dad learned to shoot on, and he found one for the boys. They were thrilled.

MM's 3rd Place

The St. Joan of Arc Knights Council sponsored a Keep Christ in Christmas poster contest, and Margaret decided to enter. She ended up winning third place in her age group.

Shots Leading up to Xmas

In the days before the big day, Bobbins took Margaret and Owen to a play, the kids to the zoo, and some last minute decorating at the house.

School Xmas Program

Owen was one of the house owners who rejected Joseph & Mary, then one of the shepherds who came to adore baby Jesus.








The girls' classes just sang a song each.

Annual Nutcracker with the Girls

Top Golf at Chase Field

Katie bought tickets for Top Golf at Chase Field for Uncle Jack, my Dad, Zach, and I for Christmas. We had a nice dinner downtown before heading over. They make most of their money on food & alcohol, so it was too rich for our blood. They also put us in a bay with another couple when their other bays wide open. Despite that, we had plenty of fun. Everyone thought the car in the bubble was a prize you could win if you hit. Unfortunately, it was not to be won, but it was the highest points, so everyone went after it. One round I was able to hit it every time, a perfect score, and I won the round. A great present and fun time, but probably a one-off.

St. Stephen's Day Hike

Every year on St. Stephen's Day/Boxing Day, we hike up the mountain east of Squaw Peak. This year I carried Edward on my back and TF part of the way on my shoulders.

Xmas

We were unable to save any photos from Xmas, so here's the collage Bobbins made for our cards.

Caroling

Continued our new tradition of having friends over in our front yard and driveway to eat chili, drink, and go caroling in the neighborhood. The photo at left is Edward and Francie.

School Xmas Program

They didn't do a ton this year, just the kids singing some songs. Bobbins did a tremendous job getting the girls ready, including their hair. They looked fantastic. Margaret got stuck in the back, so no photos of her. JoJo was nervously shy & smiley. Really nice evening to see everyone together and all the schoolchildren. The school is getting really big!

Nutcracker Show

Took the girls to our annual outing to see the Nutcracker, this time on Sunday, which was a little cheaper than Saturday.

Decorating the Xmas Tree

Margaret didn't break any ornaments this year, and Edward got his first turn putting the angel on top.

Christmas Day

JoJo (new bike) and Owen (motorcycle helmet and Nerf rifle) probably made out best Christmas morning from Santa. There were so many presents that a few got lost in the shuffle. Nana T and Pop brought breakfast over, which was great. Nana also got us a game called Toilet Trouble which lived up to its name too much: we spent all day trying to get it to work. We did our puzzle this year, a 300 piece Trevi Fountain, finishing after dinner. Aunt Patty and Uncle Chris ate with us and provided delicious banana cake - and a Nerf pistol for the boys.

 

Christmas Eve

With Christmas on Monday this year, we did the two-fer: Sunday morning 9am Mass, then the 4:30 vigil Mass later. This year we hit the latter at St. Joan of Arc to avoid seeing someone and to hear Sienna sing. It was crowded and chaotic, of course, but we got through it. Later, we had a nice roast dinner prepared by Bobbins & Julia at our house, then opened some presents. The hit of the night were Fisher's glasses to be like Papa.

 

 

Christmas Eve Eve

Got the yard cleaned, then took Owen with me to Adoration. He fell asleep just like Peter.

Our friends had their caroling night. on our way home stopped by our old neighbor Doug's house to say Merry Christmas. Doug lost his partner Bob last summer, so it was a rough holiday for him. We had a nice visit, and Doug gave each of the kids an ornament from Bob's tree.

Christmas Carol Play / Advent Night at Church

One Sunday after Mass Bobbins and the girls went with Nana K to see A Christmas Carol performed downtown.











Later that night I took the older 4 to church for a Sunday Advent night of cookies and hot chocolate and seeing friends.