Family Christmas At Karen and Ivan’s

Christmas 2023 with the bestest family around! How lucky we are to share these magical moments with each other! It was a little crazy to co-host with Karen and Ivan with her being on call. But everything worked out smoothly and we had a great meal and wonderful family time. The kids all enjoyed opening their presents and the grown ups had a lively gift exchange to round out the evening. It was a full and heartwarming day.

 

Christmas!

The kids and I had a nice Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. We were able to visit with my dad (aka Granddaddy Herbert) on Christmas Eve. He was in good spirits. We opened the matching Christmas pajamas (blackwatch plaid this year - Shorecrest colors) and put them on in order to watch National Lampoons Christmas Vacation. So fun. The house was very cozy and peaceful for the night. We had a pretty slow Christmas morning, too, opening stockings, presents, and enjoying time with each other. My mom came over and we also shared presents together. Family is the best!

 

Ruth and Nick at the Cabin!

The kids and I had school all the way through December 22 this year. We finally kicked off Christmas vacation at the cabin. I had a special visit from my bestie from middle school, Ruth and her partner, Nick. We talked non-stop. My heart is full.

Edison did a great job driving both ways and there was just enough snow on the ground for sledding.

 

Lefse Day and the Social Studies Christmas Party

The major connection my family maintains to our Norwegian heritage is to make lefse at Christmas. The recipe we use is for flour lefse and has been handed down for generations. It is a real treat to have my Aunt Kirstie come with the gear and get it all set up. The kids did a great job helping this year, especially Edison. And my kids had fun with their little cousins.

Lefse Day was then followed by attending the annual Social Studies Christmas Party - this time at Susan and Joe's house. They have a lovely home and are great hosts. The gift exchange was a lot of fun, but I had my elf hat and scarf stolen in the end. I did manage to walk out with the same rechargeable hand warmers I brought - so maybe that was a win? Can't say enough how wonderful it is to work with the best colleagues!

 

Orchestra Concert and Swim Meet for Edison / Dance for Charlotte and Her Friends

Charlotte went with her friends to her first school dance. They all got ready together at Emilia's house and had a fancy pizza party. All the girls looked fantastic and Charlotte reported she had fun at the dance! Yay!

Edison had a busy week, complete with a swim meet and Orchestra concert on the same evening. Shorecrest Boys Swim and Dive is dominating the WESCO competition! Edison had great swims in the 200 FR and 500 FR and the relays. This was our first Shorecrest Orchestra Concert and it was a lot of fun. We got to hear freshmen musicians also from Band and Choir. They really were wonderful to listen to and it was fun knowing so many of the student musicians!