December started with an Advent reflection with friends.
Jack was selected for a contest at an all school assembly. It also happened to be pajama day.
The cross country team had their end-of-season banquet. This is the group of freshmen who ran this year!
Patrick took a performing arts class first semester. We went to his final performance and watched him sing and dance.
After the performance, we went on our annual visit to see the lights at Our Lady of the Snows. It was rainy so we didn't get out of the car.
Then we had dinner at a restaurant in Belleville. It took a long time for the food to come. They were out of fries and lemonade. The server spilled a cup of soda on the table. It was a great time!
Maggie was pretty sick and she had a bump behind her ear that concerned us. After a visit to the pediatrician, we were sent to the ER for some scans to rule out mastoiditis. After more than 7 hours, we were able to go home. It was not mastoiditis!
Jack performed in the Inprov Show. It was so fun! He's in the blue suit on the right.
Jack's picture was on the front page of the school newspaper.
My running group had our annual Christmas dinner. We started at a pop up Christmas bar. Every square inch was decorated.
They had fun drinks!
Then, we ate at a new restaurant near home.
I also went out to dinner with my former coworkers. It was our first Christmas get together without Elaine.
Maggie and some friends decorated Christmas cookies.
Patrick went caroling with some friends.
The street Secret Santa for the kids was a success!
We hosted our annual Christmas party. Most of these people have been there from the beginning.
My running group at the party (minus Cheryl).
The OGs.
Maggie played basketball.
Christmas morning. The kids wait at the top of the steps until we say they can come downstairs.
We open stockings first.
Charlie has been asking for a suit for years. He was thrilled to finally get one!
Maggie's karaoke machine was fun for all!
Connie gave Jack a new ND hat.
We hosted Christmas brunch.
After Christmas, we rented a home near Grafton for a few nights with Jim's family.
Bridget took Maggie to get their nails done. This is the "before" picture. I cannot seem to find an "after" picture.
We spent a day in Alton.
We enjoyed a beverage as we listened to some live music.
Patrick found some art by an artist who shares his name in a gallery we perused.
Isn't this how everyone poses in front of a huge Christmas tree?
Jack was accepted at Notre Dame earlier in the month by email and then the official acceptance came in the mail. We were all very excited!
Jack hosted his friends for NYE again. We made a long table in the dining and living room for them all to eat together. There were small bottles of sparkling cider on the table for decoration.
Jack has such sweet friends.
