Reflections on Christmas 2015

So this entry is several months in arrears, but I am determined to get back on track.  I've made good use of summer time to catch up on projects at home.  Thus is the life of a teacher.

Our Christmas season was filled with many fun and funny memories.

• We enjoyed time with all of our White family cousins.  This time is never complete without good food, gag gifts, teenagers serving as bartenders (might need to rethink this one), and a little harmless target practice.  
• Mom and I were able to sneak in a visit with my childhood babysitter, Maw Maw Ouida.  
• A lesson I learned is that you can lead boys to culture, but you can't make them enjoy it.  Exhibit 1:  The Nutcracker
• A lesson the boys learned is making mom upset days before Christmas is probably not a good idea.
• Our Christmas Eve, Christmas, and post Christmas festivities were complete because of the people we hold near and dear.  We celebrated many days in exactly the same way we always do and were able to add some special memories that were long overdue.
• A Christmas season will never pass without at least one picture of Jackson with a package bow on his head.  This year Pop decided to join in the entertainment.
• We finally added a memory-making trip to the Christmas gifts for our boys.  Our first stop New Orleans.
• Did I mention that you can lead boys to culture but you can't make them enjoy it?  Exhibit number 2:  Oak Alley Plantation
• A lesson Jeremy learned is some traditions shouldn't be changed.  When in New Orleans with your children, always stay at the Westin on Canal.  A rat motel just won't do and will cause a move mid trip.  Traditions are traditions for a reason.
• We also learned that boys like celebrating important events by drinking sparkling grape juice out of champagne flutes.  A regular glass just won't do.
• New Year's Eve with sparking grape juice and game night in your robe is actually pretty great.
• Babies in Santa hats are super cute, especially on a beach.