Christmas this year had some resemblance of Christmases of years past and yet looked so different. Keeping to familiar traditions kept this holiday special for
The kids decided on what color theme we were going for this year. Each of them picked out their outfits. Unfortunately Izzy's arrived 2 hours late thanks for the exceptional delay in shipping. Thus she created an outfit out of items in my closet. She was definitely bumped but made the best out of the scenario. Micah received the most complements in his ensemble from strangers on the street and at the restaurant. That made him feel like a million bucks!
To make Christmas a bit special, we dinned out at Abe and Louie's. On the holiday menu was a cut of steak from Nebraska! Our waiter was lovely and humored my kids by answering all of their questions. Izzy was in heaven with escargot for an appetizer followed by Alaskan King Crab bisque with her entrée. Micah and I took in some delightful seafood while Victoria stuck with a familiar staple, mac 'n cheese.
After eating, we headed off to church for Christmas ever service. Four services were scattered throughout the day to accommodate worshipers while social distancing. There was a total of 15 who attended which was a bit surreal compared to years past. Keeping with the candlelight signing brought smiles to all of our faces.... underneath the masks of course!
On Christmas morning after returning from their father's, we sat down to open presents from the family. It was so hard to wait the entire month of December but it was worth it. We all received gifts we wanted, we needed, and some that were pleasantly surprising.
The kids worked together to buy me presents one weekend. They were given a budget and searched on Amazon together. In the end, they all decided to gift me their own gifts and one gift from all three of them. I was touched by how thoughtful they were when thinking about what I might like. Micah picked out a glass lizard.
This past fall Izzy left her favorite hoodie on a rock but forgot to pick it up on after we left. She was not a happy camper that day. I bought her two hoodies in replacement which was much to her delight.
Earlier this year I had given Victoria's baby blanket to my cousin in order to create a custom memory bear. She has been racking her brain trying to figure out where blankie had gone. When she opened the box, they were reunited. Blankie has not left her side at bedtime since.
Micah was stoked to get a Mahomes jersey, gloves, and a football. He has really gotten into the sport this year and is hoping to play flag football once we are able to be back together in person again.
This summer Izzy worked on shooting baskets as this is something they do at recess and gym frequently even if she isn't going to play basketball. Oma and Opa gave her the coolest holographic basketball. She can't wait to take it out in the evening under the lights to the park with her friends.
Victoria received a few Barbies from family which was high on her list. She completed her Barbie family by adding Skipper and Stacey to her collection.
Crinkle ribbon has always been one of Coco's favorite "toys" this time of the year. She was not at a loss for play.
Izzy gave me this wine glass after searching for "gifts for a single mom". I must have picked up on drinking wine more often during the pandemic as she commented on needing my own special glass.
Handmade gifts are always special. The kids borrowed some of their Halloween candy to create a sweet Christmas sleigh.
The pets had their own presents as well. Thinking Coco would love the laser light, it turns out that Nala is enthralled by it.
