New Year's Eve

The kids and I had plans to play some board games this evening, but they started with Monopoly at about 5 p.m. and went until past 9. E was the first to lose, then L gave up after a bit more so technically B was the winner by default. It was nice to have the kids here without any friends, spending a quiet New Year's Eve at home.

E's paddle

E got this before she came home for winter break - her first sorority paddle. This one is from her "big sis."

Pushing it

I don't turn 50 until July, but this popped up in the mail today. If I join now, I get a free insulated travel bag. Hmmm. I do like "free" stuff.

Christmas cats

These two were posing like models on Christmas morning. I couldn't resist taking their pictures.

Cousin time

L stayed at Aunt Julie's after the Christmas party and was joined by her cousins N and D. She slept over Friday night, came to Andy's cousin's party with them Saturday night, then went back home with them and slept at Aunt Julie's again Saturday night. Andy and I did a little Christmas clearance shopping today and picked her up this afternoon. L had a great time playing video games with the cousins, watching movies and going to the mall and an arcade. Thanks to Julie for the picture!

Christmas Day

Dinner at Aunt Julie's house.

The kids and Grandma Barbara.

The cousins. It was so warm (close to 45 but it felt warmer) we were hoping everyone would be there before it got dark so we could take the Christmas picture outside, but it didn't work out.

The cousins with Grandma Barbara.

Grandma and her "kids."

B and Aunt Allison.

And when we got home we were able to see the rare Christmas full moon that hasn't happened since 1977 and won't happen again until 2034. This picture doesn't do it justice. It really was beautiful.

Christmas morning

B was up early and was able to clean out his Christmas stocking before the girls came downstairs a little after 8 a.m. Of course, Muffles was at his side.

E got new UGG boots and a charger for her computer. Notice how there's no snow outside. Temperatures today are supposed to reach 45.

B got his requested video games.

The kids, all on their own, got us Christmas gifts this year. Guess that's an advantage of having teenaged drivers in the family. Andy got a golf book from E, a much-needed wallet from B and licorice from L. They got me chocolates and a tin of Frango mints.

L got a circuits kit, tardis pillowcases and a computer Sims game.

Then Andy made us all breakfast.

Christmas Eve

First things first, Andy and B went to see the new "Star Wars" movie today and both said it was awesome!

I was able to get a picture of me with the kids before the Christmas Eve service at church.

Andy took L up for the church's Blessing of the Children. The pastor asked for one thing the child does that bless us and Andy said she makes him smile every day.

And my favorite part of service - when the lights are dimmed and the candles are lit.

L was surprised at church when her confirmation sponsor, K, gave her an adorable "Lindsayasaurus" bank. It says, "(alt spelling Lindseyasaurus) Bright and determined with the loudest stomp in the swamp!" Perfect for her.

And when we got home the kids got to open one present - the one they get every year - new pajamas. B's are a blue plaid fleece, E's are from U of I and L's are sleeping emojis.

Now we're ready

I've made mom's Sugar Candy Dough Cookies so now we're ready for Christmas. No bells or holly this year, but still a nice color assortment.

Festive doughnuts

B and I dropped off his passport application this morning at a nearby post office then decided to pick up doughnuts. We were surprised they have wreath-decorated ones so we bought those for E, L and L's friend, G, who spent the night.

Cooperation

Just what a mom likes to see - her kids cooperating as they try to wrap a Christmas present.

Family holiday pics

We were able to get the kids together for a cousins picture last night. Hard to believe this picture was just five years ago.

And I even got a picture of us "kids" with mom.

I was so happy the schedule let me and Andy sneak away for an hour or so to go visit Darla and her hubby. It's always good to see her and I was able to meet her two new cats, one of which loved nipping at my shoe and even jumped on the back of the sofa to bite at my hair.

And, of course, we couldn't leave this morning before taking the annual picture in pajamas with Grandma. Then we headed to Avanti's in Normal for lunch. Yummy.

Christmas at the farm

We left this morning for the farm for our family Christmas. L got comfortable in the back seat. We stopped in Springfield for Steak 'n Shake for lunch.

We played Christmas Bingo and Sequence and munched on appetizers before opening presents. L got a new Dr. Who iPad case to replace the one she got last year and totally wore out.

B was quite happy with Game Stop gift cards, rootbeer and Coke. He'll be able to restock his bedroom refrigerator.

E got a TV firestick which allows her to connect her computer to the internet to stream TV shows and a comfy foam pillow.

Cousin A ...

and Cousin T.

Andy got a hand mixer to assist in his annual end-of-the-season chocolate doughnut frosting making, some wine and craft beers.

Cindy got face wash, cute dog magnets and a big box of cashews.

And we gave mom cashews.

And we gave Kevin cashews. Who doesn't love cashews? Even Kumar enjoyed them. We were excited to see that mom had a live tree this year.

The college student returns

Amtrak brought me an early Christmas gift today.

Jamaican Christmas tree

Staff was working on getting the tree decorated during the week were there. They finally got it together by time we left. It was so humid, though, my camera lens fogged up so I had to take these with my phone.

Margaritaville

It was a week ago today we were shopping for souvenirs in Ocho Rios. The kids didn't want T-shirts and we hard time finding appropriate souvenirs. The one-hitters and penis-shaped bottle openers were not options, of course. We decided to ditch the shopping and head to Margaritaville which was in the center. It was raining on and off so we decided to grab a margarita.

Yeah, there's a water park inside the restaurant.

This is one of the areas where the cruise ships stop to let their patrons shop. Take a look at the size of this one: