Christmas

 We ended up getting a big snow storm on Christmas Eve.  We got 8-10 inches of snow.  My mom didn't end up coming up due to the snow storm.  We watched Mass at home on TV.  Then we went to McDonald's and bought that home as our usual Christmas Eve dinner.  

Austin and Sydney wrote a letter to Santa with several questions.  Santa is always nice and responds to them.  They set out cookies and carrots for Santa and the reindeer.  

Austin is always up early very excited for Christmas.  We went into his room around 4am.  I tried to keep them upstairs until 7am.  However we finally allowed them to get up at 6:30am.  London slept in our bed that night since Austin and Sydney were worried he would scare Santa.  

Austin was very excited that he got a snow machine and a hoverboard.  It wasn't until later in the morning they realized they both got hoverboards and the go kart attachment.  They originally thought one was a hoverboard and the other box was the go kart attachment.  Austin convinced Brian to set up the snow machine too.  Everyone had fun playing in the snow.  Poor Brian's hands were so cold with dealing with water in the freezing cold.  

Sydney got some drawing supplies, drone, and a robot unicorn.  She was also very happy.  Her unicorn can dance so that was exciting for that. They played with all of their toys all morning and into the afternoon.  I made a simple Christmas breakfast this year since it was just us.  We had Austin's favorite cinnamon rolls.  

In the evening, we went down to my moms.  She had a nice Christmas dinner for us.  She got the kids some gifts as well.  They had fun opening more stuff.  It was a nice Christmas.  

Christmas activities

 We did end up getting about a foot a snow.  Austin and Sydney had a snow day on Tuesday.  They were so happy.  London was also very happy.  He loved the snow.  They played a lot outside.  The sledded and skied.  London ran around like a crazy dog.  It was a great day.  

This year, Lake Farm park was a drive though to see the lights.  We did that and picked up a wooden toy for the kids to make at home.  Austin picked out an elf and Sydney picked out a cat.  Austin also made a covid wooden toy.  He got the idea from our Christmas tree ornaments.  We let the kids buy some snacks at Lake Farm park too.  They were happy.  

Austin and Sydney are playing basketball.  They wear masks and the kids don't mind.  Austin and Sydney like the activity.  Brian is very busy coaching both teams.  Sydney continues to take a tumbling class to help her with cheer.  Austin is finishing up tennis.  Again they wear masks and need the physical activity.  

They are still in school which I am so grateful for.  Austin and Sydney definitely do better with in person learning.  We have found out the Austin needs to start vision therapy to help him with his reading.  It's going to be once a week for several months.  We are hopeful this will help him.  He's doing so much better with reading with his glasses.  

We also got to go to a drive by Santa opportunity.  It was nice the community did it.  Things are different this year but trying to continue to do safe Christmas activities.  I even surprised the kids with some donuts so they were extra happy.  

About 10 days until Christmas.....

Thanksgiving

Well we made it to Thanksgiving and school is still open.  They had a week off for break but the plan is to return December 1.  I was fortunate enough to have several days off after Thanksgiving.  If it wasn’t for Covid, we would have traveled somewhere. However we want to be smart and safe so we stayed home. 

Brian finished the solar panels.  He it had it inspected and everything and it’s completely done.  He enjoyed doing this project with the kids.  They also enjoyed it and learned some things. 

We also set up our Christmas lights.  There’s some issues this year that Brian is trying to figure out.  It’s something with the board or something.  He’s very frustrated that they are not working properly.  Hopefully he will figure it out soon. 

On Thanksgiving, I cooked a turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, baked sweet potatoes, and rolls.  We got the pies at Costco.  My mom came over.  The kids watched the Macy’s parade on TV.  London watched the dog show on TV afterwards.  We went for a walk after dinner. 

Austin and Sydney learned they like the Clue game.  We have played it several times over break.  They have also watched several movies.  They are liking playing Animal Crossing on their Switch too. 

Austin and Sydney also started playing basketball.  Brian is coaching both teams this year.  With no tournaments, he believes he can do both teams.  Also with covid, it’s a shorter season. 

We went and picked out our Christmas tree too.  The selection wasn’t the best.  However we did find the perfect tree.  The kids said it looks like a butt. And for 2020 it seems appropriate. 

We are making covid ornaments for our tree.  Our Christmas card this year is going to be the kids and dog in front of our Christmas tree.  We are making it covid themed. 

We are getting our first big snow storm tonight.  We will wait and see if the kids go back to school tomorrow.