Gingerbread Ladies

We had a fun activity on our first day in Seattle planned by the LeBeavy family. We drew names for teams and proceeded to have an intense gingerbread building . competition. We chose team names, Michelle gave a variety of awards and we all have a different take on the challenge. 

The Gingerbread Ladies came away with a victory with our international house of wonder (or whatever we named it in the spot). It what a fun holiday activity followed by a delicious meal and some present opening. 

December 25th

A bagful of goodies for Seattle

Our most "typical Christmas" in a few years capped off with travel on Christmas night to Seattle (we haven't traveled on Christmas Day since 2019). While in the airport, we started talking about all our past Christmases. Of course, I got out the blog and looked at all our past Christmases. The boys enjoyed reliving some of our Christmas past by looking at what gifts they got, what the tree look like and what matching PJs they had. it was a nice

To relive some of the memories from Christmas past. From what I can tell, there have been only two years where we have not been home for Christmas Eve. One of those was out of necessity last year when we had to drive to Pender, and the other was in Phoenix in 2021. 

This year was a very typical Christmas day at the Peavy household. We opened stockings, we enjoyed our egg casserole and cinnamon rolls, and started opening gifts around 10 o'clock. Drake was up early and watching Santa Claus was coming to town when I got downstairs. The boys channeled their inner granddad and wrapped gifts in the morning. Marshall, too, was channeling Bob Peavy with the last-minute gift wrapping. 

We played a few hands of euchre throughout the day and the boys played some pool. It actually rained and was pretty gloomy during the second part of the day, which is quite unusual. After reading through the past blogs, I realized it would've been nice to note what the most memorable gifts were gifts. The gift that got the biggest reaction was the V bucks for Fortnite. Tanner got a new computer and several discs for disc golfing and lots of long sleeved shirts. Drake got many travel accessories for Europe, including a nice backpack. I also was able to get him a syndicate shirt for water skiing and he got an iPad.

Our flight wasn't until 9 o'clock, so we didn't leave the house until 6:30. Travel was super easy as the airport was not busy at all and our bags were the first ones off the carousel. A Merry Christmas at the Peavys indeed. 

Christmas Eve

I could write a ton, but it really won't capture the joy of Christmas Eve at home with our family. There was work, baking, fish chowder making, holiday movie watching, last minute gift getting and skiing to keep us busy during the day. Euchre, our Christmas Eve dinner, hot cocoa and The Polar Express and some gift opening kept us entertained in the evening. We talked about our most memorable Christmas gifts and what you realize is that it isn't the gifts that make Christmas special, but the people you are with and the memories made. I'm thankful for another year of memories and being together. Tanner thanked me again for having a memory tree. I'm glad we are able to make these memories together again this year. 

Stickies ready in front of the new fireplace 

The night before Christmas

Took a lot of shots to get this! 

Believe

Using the china again! 

Ready for dinner 

Homemade bread bowls for chowder

Chowder cooking in the new kitchen

Italian Christmas "Tradition"

I have told the story of the first Christmas Marshall and I were together many times. I suppose it is a reminder of "experiences" over things once again. We actually didn't spend the actual holiday together - we each went home for Christmas - but we did have a special night out and exchange gifts. For our Christmas "dinner," we went out to an Italian restaurant in a strip mall by our house. I remember the evening because Marshall asked if we had been dating loony enough for him to use a coupon. I joke that is when we knew we were meant for each other. 

So last night we headed into Boulder for an Italian Christmas meal at Carelli's. We didn't have reservations, but they got us a table at the bar which was cozy, but worked out just fine. We chatted about many different things, laughed, talked about visiting Drake in Italy and just had a really nice time. Someone even came up and told us how cute we all were - I would agree. How fortunate are we that our kids want to hang out with us as they get older. I will embrace these moments and cherish each one we get. 

The boys picking us up in the car.... ha 

Holiday Cheer

With Thanksgiving so late this year, I definitely felt like the holiday season flew by. It is hard to believe Christmas will be here in 3 days....... I suppose it doesn't help that the it has been around 60 degrees this past week either. But, the house is festive and we have enjoyed some holiday parties, seeing the lights in Boulder, lots of Fortnite playing and a full house. Here are few pics of our holiday season. 

Fortnite

working outside on Dec 21!

Not wintry, but makes for a nice walk 

Drake's ornaments are up! 

Boulder Pearl Street 

Bitter Bar, Holiday Lights, and Rosetta Hall 

Party! 

Enjoying the Wright's annual party 

all dressed up 

Fabulous friends 

Husker Hobo

I enjoyed watching volleyball today - especially the Huskers beating Wisconsin in three sets. I also dropped off a welcome bag for Marshall Together for folks who just moved into their new home. It's so wonderful to see folks back in their homes.   

We had a nice brunch together as a family this morning and the boys played some Fortnight. Drake went to the Bronco game and Tanner studied, I enjoyed a walk with Alana sporting all my Huskers gear - and met two "Nebraska friends" on my walk - ha! 

I also enjoyed asking yummy miso salmon and some peanut butter balls. 

Tanner made sushi with the Alaskan Salmon 

Topgolf for our Top Guy

A Topgolf birthday celebration for Tanner's 18th birthday with his friends. Some golf, food and fun on a Friday night before finals. The boys even brought a cake. I'm glad Tanner has such a good group of friends that came to celebrate. HBD bud. 

A Full-Fledged Adult

It is hard to believe our youngest son is now eighteen and a legal adult (gasp!). Given the schedules, we made the most of the time we had to ensure Tanner felt appropriately celebrated on his big day. 

We started the day with Moe's Bagel as this was the only part day all three of us would be home. Tanner decided to hold off opening gifts as our schedules just didn't line up. 

Tanner said it was a good day at school and he got a 90% ok his math quiz which he was happy about. 

Tanner chose to stay in and we ordered sushi, watched some Avatar and wrapped up the evening with Pink Squirrels. I made a cake, but we're saving that for when all four of us are home. 

It's hard to think about all the joy and laughs Tanner has brought to our lives. From digging in the dirt during baseball to being able to build anything from legos - and now 3D prints - his creative mind keeps things interesting. 

We always joked about Tanner being from "the country of no," but he has always had a kind soul and knows when you need a hug. We are proud of the young man he has become. Happy birthday to one that completed our family. We love you!