Merry Christmas in Ohio and Goodbye to 2023!

The 2023 Christmas season is coming to an end with lots of fun and traditions.   Anna enjoyed a two-week holiday break from school that included a little bit of work, a Christmas visit to Ohio, and a lot of time hanging out with friends.  She received word on college acceptances, including Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), which was her first choice.  Benny enjoyed his first Christmas with us and took a particular liking to the Christmas tree skirt, which he repeatedly pulled out and fashioned into a bed for himself.  Only non-food packages could be placed under the tree as Benny would definitely open them.  Here are some of the holiday highlights:
Anna, Aidyn, Grandma & Grandpa
  • Anna sang in the choir for Christmas Eve mass with several of her St. Mark friends.  This was another milestone before they all graduate in the spring.
  • We visited Grandma & Grandpa in Ohio for Christmas this year, along with Uncle Time & Cousin Aidyn.  We flew in Christmas day and made it in time for dinner.  As always, there was a bit of drama after Grandpa sliced his hand on a can lid (he probably needed stiches) followed by Grandma also slicing her finger on the same lid (Uncle Tim intervened at this point).  Previously Grandma burned her arm while making braetzel cookies (that was a bad burn on the cookie iron).  After everyone was patched up, there was a good dinner to enjoy.  We enjoyed too many desserts, games (including the annual Monopoly challenge between Uncle Joe and Aidyn, who has a scary memory for all of the property values), and of course Hallmark Christmas movies and HG TV with Grandma.
  • Christmas in Ohio
    We spent a bit of time visiting Columbus.  We enjoyed the holiday lights at the Franklin Park Conservatory, sausage sandwiches and a creme puff from Schmitz and a visit to the Book Loft in German Village, which both Anna and Theresa agree is the best bookstore ever.  Before heading back to the airport, Theresa took Anna & Joe on a nostalgic drive around Capital University and made a stop at the North Market in Columbus for lunch, which had amazing food.  Definitely more time is needed for touristing in Columbus!
  • Benny had his first stay with Sam & Ivy over the holidays.  While skeptical at first, he settled in when he realized they had good treats. He was VERY excited when he was picked up.
  • Anna did a day in DC with her friend Petra for their first solo ride on public transportation.  They stopped to visit Theresa at work and had fun exploring the holiday market.
  • Joe & Theresa made it to the U.S. Botanical Gardens to see the holiday train display.  This is something they have not done since before COVID.  It was beautiful as always and a great way to kick off the holiday weekend.
  • Anna was accepted and committed to VCU for college.  This was an exciting way to start off the holiday and called for a celebratory dinner at a local sushi restaurant.
As we say goodbye to 2023, we are looking forward to the adventures of 2024.  It is going to be a big transition year as Anna graduates from high school and plans for college.  It is also leap year, election year, and well.....2024 will be big.  Wishing everyone good health and happiness in 2024!

Christmas Morning with Benny



U.S. Botanical Garden Visit

Anna & Petra visiting DOT

Benny's self-made holiday bed


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