Christmas 2020

It was a bittersweet holiday for sure, but as has been the case for much of this year, we made the best of it. The fact that we captured a pretty decent family photo with our timer speaks volumes!

CTK worked so hard to offer a multitude of safely distanced masses, and we managed to snag a 6pm slot - in Kenny Hall, but better than nothing. We later enjoyed our usual fried shrimp and twice baked potatoes, and then mixed things up with a few rounds of UNO before packing everyone off to bed.

We are thankful to have so many memories of holidays past, but made a few new ones, too!

Clare’s Senior Night for Swim

So many things have been canceled or drastically altered due to Covid, but we fully embraced Senior Night for the Marist Varsity Swim Team! Those photo buttons that had accumulated over the years came in so handy! Being the only swim meet that allowed spectators this season, we made sure to take full advantage.

We also loved seeing her giant, badass poster in person!

 If you had told me years ago that Clare would be a four-year Varsity athlete, I don’t know that I would have believed you. Watching her develop her athletic side, which doesn’t come as naturally as academics, has been a joy (even when there were tears). 

We also appreciate what a source of deep friendship the swim experience has been.

We are so very proud of our War Eagle!

Our 2020 Tree

This was not a tree we were excited to buy. It didn’t help that Clare, who really wanted to join us for her last (!) time to select a tree, had received word earlier in the day that she needed to quarantine due to Covid exposure at swim team. So she had to stay home. (She has since tested negative, thankfully.) The rest of us headed to Home Depot, where I was ready to persuade Tim that a 12-foot tree was required. Too bad there weren’t any to be had. The tree we settled for is *maybe* 9 feet on its tiptoes. 

On the positive side, I figured I could do the lights by myself, so the next day I got those done nice and early and we were ready to decorate by early evening. And since Clare couldn’t go to swim practice, we got started! It didn’t take long to get this tree decorated, so we enjoyed our usual buffet as a picnic, admiring our work. Although I had dubbed it the Tree of Disappointment earlier, the (many) lights and ornaments really transformed it in true Charlie Brown style. 

So as usual, we are counting our blessings instead of sheep, knowing that there are many.

Giving Thanks in 2020

This has been a year that has challenged us to take a close look at what we have to be grateful for - and it’s still quite a bit. While it was sad and disappointing to not gather with family, we relished the relaxed schedule and the opportunity to gather with friends who are like family.

Before we headed over to the Francos’ house, I forced everyone to dress for a photo op - and I was thrilled with the results. This series of Laura’s progressive laughter due to Danny tickling her warms my heart.

Deanna and Luis treated us to a sumptuous feast, and the beautiful weather afforded lots of sitting outside by the fire. It was truly a lovely holiday that left us feeling even more grateful.

Laura the Saint

Despite a delay due to Hurricane Zeta, the fourth graders of CKS put on their traditional All Saints Mass and project. Laura had no interest in a namesake saint, and instead chose St. Kateri Tekawitha, a Mohawk who converted to Catholicism and was extremely devout in her short life. Laura first learned about her in first grade, and she clearly made an impression! 

Halloween 2020

While there were a few differences, Halloween turned out to be one of the more normal things about this pandemic-afflicted year. Sure, trick-or-treating was primarily characterized by tables set up with treats, with few doorbells rung. But it was trick-or-treating nevertheless - on a beautiful fall night!

While Laura and Meghan trick-or-treated around Byrnwyck, Clare joined the Swim Squad at SJ’s house for a fun sleepover (complete with golf cart joyrides).

Meanwhile, Danny and The Boys spent a fun night at Cameron’s house (no costumes required; not all boys pictured).

We were grateful for a relatively normal, fun night - particularly on the heels of Hurricane Zeta’s havoc!

Zeta’s Aftermath

2020 continues its scourge. Thanks to Hurricane Zeta, we lost power for 34 hours (Laura was miserable...and miserable to be around). AND, we lost our favorite tree in the back: the cucumber magnolia! At least it fell away from the house. It also gave Tim and me a new experience in our marriage: chainsawing. About a third of the way through, Tim had to head to Home Depot for a new chainsaw, but eventually we dispatched the fallen tree to the back of the yard. 

Might need to bulk up our flashlight supplies...because no one believes 2020 is finished with us yet.