Skoch Christmas 2010

This past weekend we went to Hastings for our Skoch Christmas.  My dad and Maggie boarded a plane for Europe today and so we had to move things up a few days.  It was an adjustment, since we're all used to the same routine- Christmas Eve-- 6pm Children's Mass followed by Hunan's Chinese Restaurant for dinner.  Then wake up and have presents, breakfast, etc.  This year my mom would say, "Oh it's not really Christmas" when we'd find ourselves trying to recreate our 'norm'.  I kept saying..."But mom- this IS our Christmas!"  It actually turned out to be a great weekend. 
On Saturday we got to watch Tim and Tom play in their respective basketball games.  This meant a lot to me because we don't normally get to see many sporting events since they usually play on week nights.  Afterwards, we went to Hunan's (just like it was Christmas Eve) and feasted on yummy Chinese food.  On Sunday we got up and went to Mass at 11am and then had Santa's brunch at Lochland Country Club.  Again- another wonderful treat.  The food was so great and there was quite the spread.  Plus Jack got to meet Santa for the first time.  He did fairly well, but didn't quite know what to do.  So, we didn't get a smile out of him.  After lunch we headed home and after a nap, we opened presents.  This is our 2nd year to draw names for Secret Santa.  I think after two years of trying Secret Santa out (instead of everyone purchasing each other gifts--that would be 100 gifts, if you don't count Jack) we've decided it's really fun and a good way to keep people on their toes.  Jack really enjoyed playing with his aunts and uncles, and he couldn't stop talking about "Gramma and Ye-Ye's" house when we got back to KC.
We're thankful for good weather to travel in and another wonderful weekend spent with our family. 

The Skoch Christmas tree 2010:

Jack meets Santa for the first time:

Trying to get a good picture, but Jack wasn't cooperating:

 

Upcoming this week is Christmas with Reid's side of the family and we're very excited to have 2 full days off together (Fri/Sat).  It will be a much needed and appreciated weekend together.
Merry Christmas to all and may God continue to bless each of you in 2011!
Until next time...