The Eve of Christmas: December 14, 2018

Yup, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Hard to believe. I feel like it was just Thanksgiving--and that was November 22 this year. The season just flies by.

So let's see. What's everyone up to?

Mom is still working for Dr. Miller, the dermatologist. And dad is still writing in the communications department of the University of Rochester. Matty is in seventh grade at Martha Brown, and Sophie is a third grader at North Side.

We have been busy! Sophie has Girl Scouts every other Monday, and both kids have religion class on Wednesdays. Although Matty also has CYO basketball practice on Wednesdays, and Fridays!

We went out this year and chopped down a real tree for the first time (that's better than chopping down a fake tree haha). We really love it.

We are blessed with two cute pets: Charlie the dog is 5, and Lexi the cat is 1. We love having them around.

Since I last wrote, something important happened: The Red Sox won another World Series title! That's four since 2004, but who's counting?

Tonight, we are going to Aunt Bars for dinner. Tomorrow night, Mom and Sophie are going to see a men's choir with Grammy, the aunts and cousin Megan. Sunday, we frost Christmas cookies at Aunt Julie and Val's. And on and on!

So much fun. Love everyone so much. More pics later!

It's February 10, 2018!

I know, I know. You're wondering, "What's so special about February 10, 2018?"

Nothing. And everything. It's just another Saturday in the cold of winter, but one in which the four of us--Mom, Dad, Matty and Sophie--are together!

So what has everyone been up to?

MOM: She is working for Dr. Catherine Miller, a dermatologist about a mile away from our home. It's been almost two years now.

DAD: This summer will mark three years since he has been working in Communications at the University of Rochester, after 33 years at the Times-Union and Democrat and Chronicle newspapers. Wow!

MATTY: He's a sixth-grader now, in middle school at Martha Brown. He's playing CYO basketball and is probably the best player on the team! Soon, it will be time for Little League baseball. And this summer, he will play D4 travel baseball and Dad will be his manager! Oh, and did I mention he has been high honor roll for both quarters this year? Way to go!

SOPHIE: Sweet Sophie is a second grader at Dudley Elementary School. Her teacher is Lorri Willard. Sophie is involved in Girl Scouts (she's a Brownie), and she's playing TWO roles in the upcoming production of 101 Dalmations--she'll be the Nanny and Mrs. Tibbs, the cat who helps save the dalmations. Can't wait to see it! And this spring, Sophie will receive her penance and first communion! Oh, my!

Last night, we braved a little snowstorm and went to Aunt Julie's and Val's to see the Opening Ceremonies of the Winter Olympics from Pyeoungchang, South Korea. Tonight, we are going to dinner at a Chinese restaurant with our friends, Tom and Janna Bates, and their kids, Zander and Lyla. And then all of us are going to Martha Brown to see the musical Cinderella. So much fun!

Today, we painted our kitchen! It was light green and now it's brown. We love it!

Checking back soon!