Before we headed east, we joined in the festivities at the Christmas party at the Club house. Good to see everyone in their red and green. More end of year gatherings filled our days and then we packed our bags.
First thing on the VIP list was Mason's Jazz band concert. They were impressive.! Great sound, impressive solos and all from 7th and 8th graders. He even mastered the tying of his own green tie !
The adults headed out one cold day and were awed by the NY Botanical Garden's train display. All exhibits were made of natural products and the Haupt Conservatory is always breathtaking. They have the best gift shop but I was relatively restrained and left the blooming flowers and perfect potted plants to live a life elsewhere. I attended a few years of classes at the Garden and it made me want to get out my pencils and spend the day in studies.
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We baked a few cookies....
And decorated a few.....
And right on schedule, it snowed............
Not too much, just enough..........
On Christmas Eve, we continued the tradition of going to see the latest Star Wars. I really enjoyed it and believe that I am understanding more of the nuances. Of course, the discussions were animated as we debated various plot lines and genealogy over dinner at Franco's, a lovely Italian family's restaurant that welcomes us each year. I fell off the wagon and had my favorite indulgence, a meatball grinder.....oh the goodness ! I had them put just a smidgen of the meatball on it so didn't feel too guilty....Once a year it's a good thing !
Andy and Mason have the largest collection of Legos in the world. This year, their choices were from the SW movie and after many many hours, they completed these highly detailed pieces.
So far, Andy has not changed clothes since Christmas morning when he received his hat and robe. He has a cold so has no interest in venturing out and about. I think he looks about perfect. And in case you're wondering....that is a TV pretending to be a fireplace.....now if it only put out heat !
I'm not necessarily ready to head home. It's been a relaxing and cozy holiday, great food, good friends, the best family and perfect days. And when we get back, we need to gear up for our trip to AZ. This time, packing up the RV is going to be a challenge in the cold.
