Laraway Family

We had a great Christmas.

First, we went to Mass on Saturday night, and then to dinner at Pasta Pomodoro immediately following. Saturday night, we went to Pasta Pomodoro first, and then to Christmas Vigil at 6. Christmas Vigil was crowded with all of the CEOs (CEO = Christmas and Easter Only) and regulars, but we arrived early enough to get seats for all 5 of us. Mass featured a nice combo band of Parish teenagers, and they did a great job with the hymns, carols, and Mass parts. Father Ives delivered a nice homily, and it was a nice celebration of Jesus' birthday. Perhaps the greatest part of it all, is that the kids were in bed by 8!

Christmas morning arrived, and Anthony and Chas awoke first - they came storming into our room around 5:50 ready to head downstairs and tear into the gifts. Unfortunately, Starks didn't wake up until 7:00AM, which meant we all had to wait until after 7 to head downstairs and experience Santa's offering.

They were blown away, which, of course, feels great; it was a glorious morning and a fun, relaxing day. In having attended church the night before, we never had to leave the house. None of the boys got out of their PJs, and we didn't even step outside the whole day. We declined a very gracious invitation to go to dinner at a friend's house (where the food and company are both always outta sight), and stayed home. V made a nice baked chicken, green-bean bake (Russ' fave!), sweet potatoes, and homemade mac & cheese. It was soooooooooooooo good. Russ also contributed as he cheered the Eagles on to victory over the lowly Cowboys.

The boys all had fun playing with their new toys, and Mommy and Daddy had fun putting stuff together and installing batteries. Just a thought: Anyone know why Santa insists on making radio controllers that require 9-volt batteries. Does anyone keep those around the house anymore? Really?Anyway, I don't think it could have been a better day: Simple and surrounded by my wife, boys, and happiness. I even got some cool presents, so I got that going for me.