December 2023

We were fortunate enough to celebrate the holiday season 3 different times in December. Along with several other things going on during the month and the start of basketball season for both girls, we had a full calendar in December. We spent the Christmas holiday in Indy this year with Randy and Anna and attended 5PM mass on Christmas eve.  We came back to the house and watched some old videos of the girls on the TV before everyone went to bed since Sarah had made sure we all were ready to go by 7:45AM on Christmas. Sarah got many nice gifts, but really enjoyed her air pods and weighted blanket. Allison was excited about getting some Uggs and Jordans.  We had a relaxing late morning and afternoon until we went over to the Dodson’s to hang out with them along with Mark & Chris.  We came home after a few hours and enjoyed a nice ham dinner and watched some NFL football to end the day.   

 

Earlier in the month, Mom and the Vandervaarts came to town for Megan Carroll’s wedding.  The kids enjoyed having the house to themselves while the adults were at the wedding.  We exchanged presents at the Dodson’s house in the afternoon between some of the wedding festivities.  At the wedding, there were many relatives that we simply don’t get a chance to see very often and it was great to catch up with all of them.  We got home 

around midnight and the Vandervaarts left the next morning so their kids could study for their midterm exams.   

 

After Christmas, we traveled to Michigan to celebrate with the Shafers.  We arrived on Saturday and watched some football, went to church and watched Olivia play soccer.  On Sunday, a few of us worked out and then Randy, Kyle and I went and had some beers at a local brewery.  We opened presents when we got back and enjoyed dinner.  We left around 11AM on Jan 1^st, picked up Timber when we got back and unpacked.   

             

Sarah’s Things of the Month  

            Sarah’s 5^th grade class got their opportunity to take a field trip to BizTown (which is a town where the kids have all of the jobs).  She was the CEO of a 3D printing company.  Her girl scout troop volunteered at a local food bank in early December where they enjoyed decorating and helping out.  Sarah is on the 56B basketball team at school and I’m coaching her team.  Sarah got a chance to play at halftime of a JV basketball game at Chatard with many of her friends.   

 

Allison’s Thing of the Month  

             Allison had fun spending the night at her friend’s house for her birthday this month.  Allison is on the Cadet A basketball team and is enjoying the competition of playing against the 8^th graders.   

 

A few more items from this month: 

• We went to Christmas at the Zoo with the Sniadecki’s.  The kids enjoyed running around and seeing the zoo with all of the lights and in was actually 50 degrees so it wasn’t too cold out.   
• We lost a good friend of ours at church after a 5-year battle with cancer.  Over the last 7-8 years, we have gotten closer with his family at school, at the pool and at the annual Summe Social.  Kent was a devoted friend and an inspiration to many of us on how to enjoy each moment you have.   
• Deb and I went to the annual Christmas party at the Bassett’s house.  We always enjoy a good reason to get out of the house and see several of our friends.   
• On a quite evening during the week, we went over to the State Fairgrounds to see the holiday lights synchronized with music on the radio.   
• Thanks to Aunt Linda, we were able to go to a Purdue basketball game this year.  It is very difficult to get tickets, so we were lucky she was able to let us have her tickets for a game.   
• While Randy and Anna were in town, Tom and Tracy came over and enjoyed some drinks, laughs and conversation.