Christmas 2018 - Part 1

It was with great anticipation that we departed Orlando on Wednesday evening, December 12 for the great north country for Christmas.  We were eagerly anticipating ice and snow and although we would only got the former, it was a wonderful trip. Being with family more than makes up for any weather shortcomings.  Once again, a large amount of time was spent on the local pond skating and playing hockey although a warm spell prevented it from being more.

Camille and the kids were there when we arrived (although we arrived very late so didn't see them until the morning). Shawn arrived Saturday afternoon and sadly, we did not see Ricky, Ana, and Bre. This was their year to be with Ana's family and although we do understand, it was disappointing.  But we have next year to look forward to!

I have a few more pictures form our activities here at home before we left so I'll start with those and then transition to the trip...

Duncan and I attended a Christmas party at the home of the President of AdventHealth (new name for Adventist Health System and Florida Hospital as of 1/2/19). One of Duncan's colleagues is Russian and we discovered we knew mutual people related to that (she went to Andrews like I did). 

Duncan and the kids out playing football in the rain on Sunday morning, December 9.

The girls dared to jump in the pool after.  I think it was a short "swim." 

That evening we had a Christmas scavenger hunt at the church which I had planned out. We had goodies set out for when the teams returned and Pastor Barb was in charge of the hot chocolate and whipped cream.

Going over some answers.  The Grodacks/Gregorys were not winners (plus, wouldn't it look bad if they were?) but they had a fun time.

The final game of floor hockey (Brady is circled). He had such a terrific time. His team tied and lost their first two games but then won the final four games.  The parents got to play versus the kids in the very last game but we had already left for Christmas.  I was SO disappointed.  Floor hockey is by far my favorite sport to play.

On Tuesday, December 11 the homeschool band performed a little concert at the assisted living facility next to the church. It was quite clear that the band had only been together for a few months but the residents enjoyed it nonetheless.  The girls ended up each playing a song on the piano too. 

Unfortunately they've both since decided to quit the band.  Calleigh was having challenges with the trombone and I told her at the beginning I wouldn't make her keep doing it if she didn't want to since I was already making her do piano. 

At the airport waiting to board our Southwest flight to Providence.  Jennifer always gives us cookies to give away and it's one of our favorite things to do!

First things first! We didn't get in to my parents until after midnight Wednesday night but that didn't stop the kids from getting to the ice on Thursday morning. School was still in session so we had it to ourselves.

The extra kid in the back next to Papa is Bruno.

I was really excited because Colby was adamant about skating with them. He hadn't skated since lessons got over last March.

Even I got into the action although in my boots.  I played some goal.  I need to get some hockey skates. The figure skates are way to uncomfortable on my bunions. Does it make me sound old to say that?

Unfortunately the van doors were left open while they played and it killed the battery.  It took quite a long time for it to start back up.

No snow makes it a lot easier to play sports on the front lawn (field?)

The first Sabbath we went to Norwood.

Last year we did not make our annual trip to Newport as we have been doing for a number of years.  Uncle Charlie and Aunt Lori are so generous in hosting us at their time share but it didn't work out last year (I think they were on a big trip or something). We were all excited to back at it this year.  We were sad to be missing the Wall brothers and of course, Ricky and Ana.  

We always get a picture in front of the fire place.

Aunt Lori did one of her scavenger hunts with the boys against the girls.  The girls were victorious!

Not this time boys!

Sporting the new Christmas jammies for the first time.

Pool time.

Rad hanging out with all the kids in the hot tub.

We stayed Saturday and Sunday nights.  The weather was fairly crummy on Sunday but we did get in a walk around town in between rainfalls. 

One of the things we look forward to most is watching the Patriots game together.  This was the first time they've ever lost! Very disappointing to lose to the Steelers but I guess we got the last laugh when the Steelers didn't even make the playoffs.

We checked out on Monday morning and then we were on our way to Carver to go to Edaville Railroad.  It didn't open until 4:00 pm so we had some time to kill.  We made a pit stop at the Silver Side Galleria Mall in Taunton as we had done a few years ago. Sadly, it is like many other malls in America in that many stores have closed down. But, they seriously have the best toy store I've ever been to so the stop was worth it just for that.

They have a ton of toys out that you can play with.  There is no place like it!

We ate lunch in the food court.

My dad and I are basically the only adults that like going to Edaville but as long as the kids enjoy it, I'll continue to go despite the lack of enthusiasm from some others. What can I say, Christmas lights and music are two of my favorite things in the world and it has both.

Colby was so taken with the giant train display.

The train ride.  Where we have our supper that we bring (mainly uncrustables for us)

Every year we get three fried dough and then split them in half (Aubree/Brady, Calleigh/Colby, Duncan/me). Next year we may rethink.  That night, Brady woke up about 2:00 am and said his belly hurt and he needed to throw up.  He went to the toilet, did so, and then went right back to sleep.  He is seriously the calmest thrower-upper I've ever seen.  He blamed his misfortunate on the fried dough.

On Tuesday, our plan for the day was to go into Boston to go to the Frog Pond and Quincy Market.  We were very sad to see that the place next to Quincy Market that we've skated on the last few years, was not open this year.  So to the Frog Pond we went.  It was the coldest day of our time up north with a feels like temperature in the teens. It is times like that when I really, really appreciate Florida winters.  

Calleigh and Camden

These two didn't end up skating because it was just too cold and didn't seem worth it.

We finally got them some hot chocolate and went inside where the lockers are for a respite from the cold.  It's really not even meant to be a place to hang out since it's so small but we were so cold.

Of course, then everyone had to have hot chocolate.

Ron and Elaine came up for a few days from Pennsylvania and they met us there. Nice photobomb, Calleigh.

It's really so pretty at night.  I love this city!

Eating supper at Quincy Market. 

Every half hour this tree does a music light show.

Wednesday was Pops day but we had a few other things to do first.

Some crafts provided by Gigi in the morning.

Thankfully they were able to get in another round on the pond so that Shawn could play.

Ornament picture outside of the Prudential Center where we ate lunch at the Cheesecake Factory.  We were quite proud of ourselves because we found a new parking app called "Spot" where people essentially rent out their own parking spaces at their homes or what have you for cheap.  So instead of paying $40-$50, we spent $15 on parking. 

Terrific concert although we did not get "White Christmas" this year. 

Thursday was a quieter day with my dad taking the kids to Jordan's to see the Enchanted Village and to "ride" the Polar Express.  Some of us shopped. I bucked the trend and bought more of my items from yard sales/actual stores as opposed to Amazon (although I still bought a good portion from there).

The evenings are usually spent watching a show or movie and enjoying the fire and good company.  The kids got into "The Waltons" this year.

Friday was more shopping and then the Rondinellis came over for Friday night supper. Freddie gave Duncan a partial treatment (he's a chiropracter) 

Sabbath was very mild (in the 50's) so there went any chance of ice. We attended church in Foxboro.

Saturday the 22nd was Duncan's and my anniversary. We celebrated in the evening by going out for Indian food in nearby Franklin and then going to LLBean.  16 years!  We also had a special treat the next day in going to the Patriots game, just the two of us courtesy of my old boss and (current) friend, Tim, who has season tickets. I wasn't quite as excited to go after the loss in Pittsburgh but the excitement soon returned once we were walking up the hill to the stadium.  It is fun to see all the people in their gear, tail-gating and having a great time.  Fortunately the weather was in the upper 30's and not too terribly cold.

These are the "minutemen" who fire the guns after a touchdown or field goal.

Tim has access to the Optum Lounge which is at field level behind the end zone.  You could get free hot chocolate and Christmas cookies there.

We were impressed that they had the Impossible burger there although I'd never get it because it looks too meat like!

The view from outside the Optum Lounge. If you get there early enough, you can stand in the front row.  We didn't get there that early though and frankly, I didn't want to stand for the entire game. 

We came back at half time to use the bathroom though since the regular lines are SO, SO long. Sadly, we got to see Brady throw an interception up close. 

The view from our seats. Not bad! 

The Patriots easily defeated the Bills 24-12 (it was even more lopsided than the score) and we had such a good time. 

Okay, ending here. Stay tuned for Part 2.