Friday-Saturday, December 20-22

We are happy to be home with all the weather conditions this weekend; but what fun we had!

 

Friday, Bob, Linda, Dick (cousin) and Mary came in the afternoon and after some drinks, snacks and visiting, we set off for Rosie's and a delicious dinner followed by the
WONDERFUL, VERY ENJOYABLE Martina McBride "Joyful Christmas 2013" concert.   Along with a few of her country hits, she belted out all the Christmas classics in that rich, clear, beautiful voice accompanied by a 12-piece orchestra and singers and did 7 wardrobe changes!   The choreography was outstanding!     Sure left there on a "high"! 

Before the show....

Pat, Mary, Linda, Mark, Bob, Dick 

 

 Saturday we were off with Anne, Liam and Connor (Patrick played at a big Christmas party in town) - weather was iffy, but made it ok and stopped in Mendota at the Lutheran Home to visit my Aunt Marian and cousin, Jim.   

Liam, Connor and their Great Aunt Marian

Jim and the boys

And then to Mark's family Christmas celebration starting with lunch, visiting, cards, 4:30 Mass followed by big catered dinner.   Lots of chatter and kinfolk, meeting new boy/girl friends, enjoying the babies, food galore, presents, games and on and on!!!!     I'm sure "Dad" was looking down on us and smiling at his family having such a grand time!

 

It was icy as we traveled back to the hotel.    More games and fun in the meeting room - some into the wee hours of the morning.    Woke up to 3" of snow.....after a quick breakfast, we picked up Anne

and boys who had spent the night at Mark's sister, Karen's home.    Stopped for a brief visit with his Mom and then on home.   Roads were icy and slushy in spots.    And finally, about 1 hour from home, all was clear.    Stopped at McDonalds for late breakfast and home at noon.    What a fun surprise the boys found when they got home....Elfie was hanging out on the kitchen counter in a pile of "snow" (flour)....

 

"Snow Angel" Elfie

 

Mark got the truck all cleaned, filled with gas and tucked away in garage for the winter.   Unpacked, did some laundry and glad to be home and out of all this wintry weather.    It is supposed to be very cold the next 2 days, so we can't wait to get to Florida.

  Michael took his boys to the Panthers/Saints game today in Charlotte.     And here they are on national TV.... 

 Go Panthers....Drew is really contemplating...
Panthers won 17-13

 

And here's little Sis in some Christmas finery... 

That big bow makes such a fashion statement

Fun little shoes

And the news out of Florida today is that Luke has a tooth coming in!

Just in time for Christmas - my first tooth!

Liam and Connor came over this afternoon and are spending the night.   

 Connor and I played Blitz (wish Brady had been with us as he professes to be "The Blitz Master"!)   Mark and Liam played "21". 

So good to see lights on in Marty's house tonight - he came home from the hospital late this afternoon.    Still no results from all his tests and his heart doctor is out of town till after Christmas.   AARRGGHHH...

We had soup (tomato and chicken noodle) and grilled cheese sandwiches for supper.   Mother Hubbard's cupboards and fridge are getting pretty bare....

  

Boys are watching  "How the Grinch Stole Christmas"!

 

    I'm gathering the little bit of Christmas décor and starting to put away!

  Boys took baths, had a snack, said their prayers and off to dreamland!