Christmas Celebration 2020

Despite a challenging year, we were able to celebrate a wonderful Christmas season. It was so nice to have Julia home--even more enjoyable when we didn't have to wear masks and have the windows open (5 days?). We went car shopping and settled on the BMW X2. The Buick has been serviced and is ready for Julia to take back to St. Paul. 

Mom held another fantastic gingerbread house decorating party--outside and masked. We were fortunate to have a warm 60-ish day, and the rain didn't stop us. It was so nice to connect with everyone. Thanks, Mom! We visited the Capitol Christmas tree. Laura and Emmie sent a Christmas cookie box, which Julia and Steven thoroughly enjoyed. 

Christmas was low-key. We got Steven an under-the-desk bicycle; I readily fell asleep while trying it out. :) We are just happy and thankful to be together, safe, and healthy. 

Christmas Cheer

This past week we picked up our tree and the Christmas decorations have exploded inside the house. It is nice to change it up and get into the holiday spirit. Julia's Sinterklaas gift arrived--a stationary bike. Benjamin put it together for her. She's busy with school; Benjamin is busy flying. Miriam got her second negative test and is out of quarantine; she came over to meet Booberry. Check out some cute pictures from Snapchat!  

Thanksgiving Version 2020

Julia decided not to travel home for Thanksgiving. We discussed various options but ultimately wanted to do what was best and safest for everyone. She will come home in December and stay for an extended time. The tentative plan is for her and Benjamin to drive the Buick back to St. Paul in January. 

Julia spent Thanksgiving with Benjamin and Elizabeth (sister)--Thai and Indian cuisine with a homemade vegan pumpkin pie by Jules. They visited Duluth and picked up an adorable tree at a farmer's market. Also pictured is their cauliflower crust, loaded pizza. Check out Benjamin's plane! 

Steven and I enjoyed our 12-pound Wagshal's turkey. The weather was gorgeous, so we racked up the walking mileage. 

Birthday and Booberry

We went over for cake to celebrate Kathryn's birthday. She's 16 years old! Wow. I have a vivid memory of sitting in the hospital with Lisa when she was born. Lisa asked me how they should spell her name--Catherine or Kathryn. I said, Kathryn, of course! 

Unhappily, we have changed our Thanksgiving plans. Instead of Julia flying home for Thanksgiving and then again for Christmas, she'll come home in December. She'll spend Thanksgiving with Benjamin (working) and his sister, Elizabeth. There are so many unfortunate ways that COVID-19 has affected our lives; however, thankful that we are all still healthy and alive... with a vaccine around the corner.

Julia, Booberry, and Biden

We had a wonderful weekend! Julia came home and instantly bonded with Miss Booberry. We got to see Meme for a quick visit in Annandale. Julia socially distanced with her Holton friends. And, we went down on Saturday to witness the declaration of Biden as president-elect. We saw Jim Acosta from CNN, who was graciously taking selfie after selfie with strangers. What is a weekend without 30 wings from Wingos? Yum. The cats are continuing to adjust, so all is good.  

Meet the New Kitten and Other Weekend Fun

Meet our newest addition, Booberry Muffin, a Minskin with nonstandard legs! She is so adorable and tiny, probably ~2.5 lbs. She only meows for food and purrs like a motorboat. Booberry is quarantining in Julia's room for now, with Steven and me swapping shifts every 2 hours and sleeping every other night with her. So much work!!! LOL Meanwhile, Julia flew to New Hampshire on Thursday. She spoke at a virtual conference today and will be coming to DC on Thursday. Can't wait! Busy girl, getting it all done! 

A little boost from last week's blog--a reporter from USA Today asked if she could find out more about Benjamin's job pivot during COVID-19. Unfortunately, Benjamin wasn't interested in prime time; but how nice to have her check out the blog and ask.