Holidays at Home

Although you wouldn't know it from all the "out of office" replies I am still getting at work, it seems that we are well and truly through the holidays and into the doldrums of winter. Unless you are Jayne and Tony, who are sunning themselves in Texas.

As much as I usually chafe at staying home when we have time off, it always winds up being lovely and relaxing. The kids loved their at-home holidays (and AACPS only got one week off!) We "staycation"ed, checking out the County Christmas trees at the Maryland State House

making our annual pilgrimage to the National Tree,

and even getting to "skate" on the Reflecting Pool with friends.

We made it to church on Christmas Eve, and to my delight there were glow sticks instead of candles at the kids' service. (Phew!)

I apparently took zero pictures on Christmas Day, minus these two evidencing some of my very favorite things: family hikes and mimosas for breakfast!

We spent most of the day in PJs, and the kids were ridiculously spoiled. (Pictured: all the new Pokemons, and Prince Ford in his Dad's massage chair, which he basically repossessed.)

I worked most of the week between Christmas and New Year's (taking full advantage of the holiday schedule), and the kids enjoyed downtime with Grandma and Grandpa. Seth, who has since recovered, was miserably suffering through the aftereffects of long COVID- although he did make appearances for soup and to try out new games. 

I couldn't resist, "holidays at home" plan notwithstanding, a quick trip down south for an early New Year's celebration with our best friends (NC weather in the 70s was bonus!)

and "Noon Year's Eve" at our favorite museum.

We made it back just in the nick of time for a quiet New Year's Eve of games,

an early "toast,"

and to witness Ford getting a jump start on the New Year's resolution we made for him.

Finley was beside herself to get to stay up until midnight (she made it! thanks in no small part to the Miley Cyrus/ Dolly Parton event)

and we kicked off 2023 the next day with another lazy day, lots of football, and fire. As God intended it.

(With one exception: Finley and I had a super fancy lunch date.)

And now we're back to the races! Kids sports and birthday parties are the name of the game. 

Cheers to a new year, longer days, finding the energy to take down the Christmas lights, and (hopefully) good health for everyone!