Christmas Celebrations 2022

Meme pulled off another blockbuster Christmas Eve Gingerbread Decorating party! Gathering together and enjoying deep-fried turkey, roasted pheasant, salad, and other delicious sides was so nice. The houses were impressively bejeweled. Christmas Day was wonderful (much different from last year, when Julia had COVID and was quarantined in her room). As we celebrated the birth of Christ, we also reflected on our blessings this past year and are so grateful. We enjoyed prime rib and the salt block! Benjamin flew in for the cookie decorating party on Tuesday. Many thanks to Meme for letting us recycle all the candy and frosting from the gingerbread party. :) It was nice to see and catch up with all of the Holton friends. The bad news was finding out Lisa and Tony tested positive for COVID. :(

Big Sky Resort

The Saunders hosted Julia at Big Sky Resort in Montana! She had a wonderful time, even though the temperatures were unbelievably cold. After a couple reroutes and re-bookings, she made it across the country for Christmas Eve.

Getaways before Christmas

Julia is spending this week with the Saunders family in Montana skiing. Pictured below are some new ski digs; it will be quite cold. Of course, it is already cold and snowy in St. Paul. Can't wait to see her on Friday! Last year, it was December 23 that we found out she had COVID. We would like not to repeat that experience this year. :)

Steven and I went to Charleston for 5 days--mainly in the 60s-70s. We love that city. I got my ear re-pierced; just one of the holes had closed up over the pandemic. Meanwhile, mom went to NYC for the Neil Diamond musical, A Beautiful Noise. The cats are prepared for winter with their sweaters and space heater (spoiled!).

Christmas Concert

Julia went back to Minneapolis/St. Paul December 2. Below is a picture from one of her holiday parties with friends Lynnea, Gigi, and Ally (all from UMN). Can't wait to see her in a couple of weeks!

We went to mom's concert at Immanuel Bible Church--wow, so many talented singers, musicians, and artists. Check out our front-row seats. I had to take a picture of the children's choir--so entertaining. We had the chance to meet some of mom's friends. Everyone had the same comments: We love your mom, and how does she do it all?!?! So blessed for health, happiness, good friends, and family. 

On the way home, I snapped a picture of the Kennedy Center. It is lit in rainbow colors as a nod to the 45th Honorees for Lifetime Artistic Achievement Awards. And, fun fact: my childhood obsession, Amy Grant (contemporary Christian pop singer), is one of the awardees!