A Week in December

Weeks in December, full as they are, tend to get away from you before you know it! So I am documenting a few of the happenings from one Friday to the next. 

The new home school choir had their debut performance. We have one daughter and six grandchildren in this choir, so to say we were bursting our buttons would be an understatement! Granddaughter Eve had a solo part and did a beautiful job. (Maybe Kati will help me learn to condense and post a video to share in another post. Blogger says my file exceeds the limits.)

We celebrated the December birthdays. Our oldest grandson Gavin is now 14 (what?!), and our daughter-in-law Sarah has a birthday later this month. It is always a joy to celebrate those we love!

I am thankful for the gift of an unexpected day off for Kati, which allowed us to carry on a loved tradition.

A few years ago, we had a conversation about our favorite Christmas activities. I asked everyone what one or two things were the most important to them. What were the things that they did not want to leave out? I was somewhat surprised at the answers. No one said riding around and looking at lights (so we quit doing that). Some of the Christmas parties were seen as fun, but not essential. But both Kati and Bekah had our Girls' Day Out as one of the top things on their lists!

It's such a simple thing. We go to Barnes and Noble and drink Starbucks holiday drinks. We peruse magazines as we sip. We chat. We take selfies. Then we browse the books. 

Kati's day off (due to a scheduling oversight) allowed us to enjoy Girls' Day Out as usual.

(Note that the girls wore coordinating outfits? Totally unplanned...but they went with it. Sisters.)

Throwback to 2009.

One night, we had four special guests while their parents went out of town to make a craigslist purchase. (They are moving into their new house this weekend!)

Oh my goodness. A two-year-old in footie pajamas. A six-year-old who listened while I read picture books. Two sweet girls playing Clue with Aunt Bekah. Little boys watching Paddington.

So. Much. Sweetness. 

Photos by Kati

Also this week, our new chandelier finally arrived! I say "finally" because we were wondering what had happened to it. Turns out, I had neglected to change from our old address on my ebay account and the package had to go around Robin Hood's barn to get here. Good grief. 

Ron hung it that very evening and we are loving this change. (Some before pictures are in this post.) Once Ron completes the shutters for the bottom window sashes, we'll be finished with the island area of the kitchen. (And I hope to be able to take better photos without all of that light!)

For many years, my mom has invited Bekah and Maddie for lunch at Christmastime. They eat a special lunch, watch cooking shows, play games, chat, and leave with party favors. What's not to love?

Here is this year's photo...

...and one from 2009.

Are the weeks flying by for you? Are you enjoying any special traditions this December?