Our Christmas was different this year since we weren't able to do many of our Christmas traditions but we were able to enjoy our time together despite the circumstances.
Due to Pa's funeral, we went down to Naples a couple weeks before Christmas. It worked out for us that we were able to stay for several days which allowed Justin to help go through Pa's things and let us do some events with Gaga. We left Friday afternoon and arrived in Naples around 10pm. Pa's funeral was Saturday morning at 10am so we got up early to get ready, eat breakfast and get to the church building.
We sure do miss them both!
Saturday afternoon, Justin and Aunt Melanie went out to Pa's house to help John go through his things. The kids and I went to the hotel for naps and met up with everyone later for dinner at Fernando and the Bull (one of our favs)!
On Sunday, we enjoyed church services together and it was surprisingly chilly that day!
Acting crazy in church.
We had to say goodbye to Uncle Evan and Aunt Melanie after church since they had a flight to catch. It was funny watching them leave because Uncle Evan insisted on riding in the back seat the entire weekend since the rental car wasn't in his name (so he couldn't drive it) - haha.
On Sunday afternoon, Gaga, Mimi, Kate and I all attended the Teddy Bear Tea at the Ritz-Carlton. We have tried for a couple years to get tickets to this event but every time we are too late calling and it's already sold out. Thankfully this year I thought about it before Thanksgiving and was able to reserve the last 4 person table! I wasn't sure what to expect but I loved every minute of the tea and am so glad we were able to do it together!
The huge Gingerbread House in the lobby of the hotel. It is incredible!
Kate and Mrs. Claus
Each guest received their very own teddy bear at the tea. Kate named her polar bear "Icy".
And before the event was over, Santa and Mrs. Claus made a special appearance!
I will cherish this picture! The hotel staff even printed out three copies so that each of us would have one - so thoughtful.
On Sunday night, daddy went out to Pa's house to stay with John and help around the house more so the kids and I had the evening to ourselves. We ended up going to a pizza place nearby called The Crust and the kids loved it! I'm sure we will be going back at our next visit.
On Monday morning, I took the kids up the outlet mall for some shopping. Daddy ended up meeting us up there and we all had a nice family day together. On Monday night, Aunt Linda and I had some quality time crafting together. She had told me about a place called Board and Brush where you sand, stain and paint a design that you choose and offered to go with me when I was in town.
I loved the way my board turned out!
We had so much fun!
Tuesday was the big event that we had stayed for - the Naples Christmas Parade. Gaga had the honor of being the Grand Marshall in the parade this year and Justin and I had talked about driving down for the event when we first found out about it. Since Pa's funeral was the weekend before, it worked out that we were able to attend both events in one trip.
Ready for the parade!
It was stressful trying to get to the parade but we made it with a minute to spare (literally). The parade route was only a couple miles from Aunt Linda's house but we didn't leave early enough to account for the terrible traffic so we barely made it in time. It took us 55 minutes to go 7 miles. Yikes! As we inched along the road trying to get to the front of the parade, one worker instructed us to park and run and that's just what we did. I had enough time to throw the kids in the car (a Bentley Convertible worth more than our house), take a picture of the sign and Gaga before the car took off.
Doesn't she look glamorous?
Off they went!
As soon as they left, we walked from the car to the end of the parade route, a couple miles. Justin and Papa thought I was crazy but I wanted to see them in the parade. We walked fast and made it a couple minutes before they appeared at the end!
The Grand Marshal and her guests! I'm so glad the kids were able to ride with Gaga. I told them I have never been in a parade before. Wednesday morning, we got up early and got on the road to head home. It was a wonderful trip but we were all ready to be home.
After we got back from Naples, the kids had their Christmas parties at school. I was able to go to Kate's class and celebrate with her on a Thursday morning and then both of us were able to go to Mason's Christmas program that next Friday.
Candy cane earrings.
My baby's last Christmas program at Good Sam - so hard not to cry!
He did such a good job coloring his lights!
I'm thankful we were in town to attend both programs!
The Saturday before Christmas, the kids and I attended my annual friends Christmas party. This is something I look forward to each year!
A big thanks to Mrs. Betsy for all the pictures!
My girlfriends and all our kiddos!
On Christmas Eve, we enjoyed a delicious lasagna dinner together at Uncle Jordan and Aunt Katie's.
They were excited about Santa coming that night!
If you can't take a family picture in front of your Christmas tree, someone else's is the next best thing. :)
So glad Nanny was feeling up to coming over for dinner that night!
After dinner, we took the golf carts around the neighborhood to look at Christmas lights. I hope this is a new tradition because I had so much fun (and so did Justin despite his expression).
The winner for the neighborhood lights contest. After dinner, we went home and tucked the kids into bed so Santa would stop by.
Justin and I went into our room to watch TV and after an hour or so, I went to kiss the kids goodnight and I noticed Kate was missing from her bed! She had fallen asleep in the living room hoping to catch a peek at Santa.
So precious. She said someone put her back in her bed in the middle of the night and it was probably Santa.
Santa ended up dropping off quite a few presents for the kids to open!
Christmas morning!
I didn't take pictures of the kids gifts but they got exactly what they had asked for. Kate got a Num Noms Lipgloss truck, a Fingerling (electronic monkey), LOL Dolls, Shopkins and a (toy) Sewing Machine. Mason got the Paw Patrol Sea Patroller, the Paw Patrol Air Patroller, a toy hunting truck and trailer, and a FSU uniform and football. This is probably his favorite gift of all - he's been wearing it every day.
Late morning, we went over to Gigi and Grandaddy's house to open presents. We got Camden an outdoor street hocket set and the kids had a great time playing with that. Later that evening, we hosted a big Christmas dinner and invited the Bruner family to join us since all their family was out of town this year. Mimi and Papa also invited two friends that they have met through their work with the local Veterans program.
We are very blessed and thankful to spend the holidays together with our friends and families.
Merry Christmas from the Evers!
