The calm before the "storm" (of joy) ...

The storm I talk about is not from an impending weather pattern!

It's not a storm that we would expect to take shelter from.

But with that being said the children will most likely run to the basement.....

 The excitement will happen when I, (Grandma) announce, "It's time for stockings". 

This year we have had to wait for our Family Christmas celebration.

Covid Restrictions, work schedules and other Christmas activities have 

delayed our precious time together,but we are thankful that

everyone has been healthy and now the time has come.   

The presents have been waiting and may even be a little dusty.

Tomorrow we hunker down for the "Storm", the commotion, ruckus, and bustle

 is what we've been waiting for. 

It's been in the forecast for a couple weeks now and we cannot wait to celebrate as a family...

Finally!

A different Christmas...

Christmas was a bit different this year, as was most of 2020.

Just Rick, I, and Gavin Christmas morning.

We enjoyed exchanging gifts just the 3 of us

Just what he wanted!

We brought some food and a few gifts out to my parents. 

We are all willing to weigh the risks and benefits of an occasional visit, versus loneliness and isolation. My sister's family and my daughter's family stopped by for a brief visit as well, a far cry from the 30 family members that usually fill the house on Christmas day. We had a "zoom chat" with the rest of the family from their homes, mostly in the Twin Cities. 

It was our first Christmas without Rick's dad. 

His mom is isolated from family in a nursing home. It's hard not to see them.

 This beautiful etched ornament was gifted to us by Rick's sister.  We love it. 

During the month of December...

Rick and I watched 5 different versions of Dicken's "A Christmas Carol"

We had a lot more downtime without all the Christmas celebrations

I love to decorate for Christmas!

Do you?

Last but not least...

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our family to yours.

In October we were fortunate to have some photographer friends gift us a photoshoot. 

It was a VERY COLD DAY, but we got it done, red noses and all.

I couldn't be more happy with how our pictures turned out!

Our babies are growing up.

Here's to a better 2021... it's just gotta be!