We started the month with getting our Christmas tree. It was a rainy Sunday but it was the only day we could make it work. The tree farm wasn't busy in the drizzle and we picked out a nice tree. Sophia and I decorated it. Steve and Sophia also decorated the outside of the house. It looked festive indeed.
We only had one major horse thing this month. Sophia competed in the ISHS show again with the high school team. She was on a pony which just wasn't cooperating. It would not listen to her at all. It was a humbling experience and I am sure a frustrating one. You can't win them all and it is the hard rides that you learn the most.
Sophia began practicing with the 4-H horse bowl senior team. She loves her new coach. They will study and prepare for the county and state competitions this winter. There is a lot of knowledge to learn. It is hard work and Sophia enjoys it.
The rest of the month was spent shopping and wrapping. Sophia was so busy riding that I did all the wrapping myself. I missed my helper. Otto thought he would help but had no idea how to get things wrapped.
We spend Christmas Eve with Leslie, her two kids (Will and Emma) and Aiden. We had a great dinner of lasagna with meat sauce. Steve and Sophia made a caramel apple pie. I am so thankful that Leslie was well enough to spend Christmas with us.
Nick came late Christmas Eve so he was with us Christmas morning. We had cinnamon rolls and opened presents. We then had a nice breakfast and relaxed.
Steve and Sophia got to work on Bob Ross paintings using the supplies they got for Christmas. Nick and Aiden played video games with their new received goodies.
We had a turkey dinner.
All of the animals got gifts too but the cats liked the boxes as much as their gifts.
Sophia and I went to Williamsburg to visit George and his family for a couple of days. It was a beautiful weekend and we spent some time outdoors. My cousin, Michael, and his girlfriend were in town and we had dinner and a drink with them.
Sophia got a lot of horse related stuff for Christmas. I joked that it seemed more like gifts for Nicki than her. Nicki looks great in all Sophia's gifts!
We have a lot to be thankful for this year. We have enjoyed every unexpected day with Leslie. We have enjoyed watching Sophia, Nick and Aiden grow. And we are lucky to be surrounded by love and family.
We finished 2019 off playing games and enjoying our traditional, chocolate fondue.
