Christmas Eve

We spent a traditional Christmas Eve with the Roys.  This year was the biggest Christmas Eve gathering I've ever attended, rivaling those of the "good old days" when Lee and his cousins were little and Memere's house was jam packed with gifts and people.  In addition to Lee's mom and her siblings, almost all of his cousins were there, as well as 11 members of the newest generation (ages 5  months to 14).  There was so much food and so many gifts it was almost overwhelming - almost.

Margie and Tom have the perfect tree every year, and their house is so beautifully decorated. 

Little ones were climbing all over Lee all night. 

NWC Holiday Show

Earlier this month, we attended the Northwest Catholic Christmas Concert.  It was quite a holiday show, with several vocal and instrumental groups performing.  We were quite impressed with the various ensembles, including the Honors Wind Ensemble (Elizabeth's group), and the finale, which included all of the various groups, was quite amazing.

All of the performers wore some variation of floor length dresses or tuxedo shirts and pants. 

Honors Wind Ensemble

Sleigh Ride

All of the vocal and instrumental ensembles on stage together.

Family Christmas

Last weekend, we got together with my family to celebrate Christmas.  We started out with brunch at the Nashua Country Club and then went back to my brother's house to exchange Christmas gifts.  We had a wonderful time, just being together and sharing laughs and of course, all of the girls enjoyed opening their presents.

Family.

Ask, and you shall receive.

My dad walks a lot and my sister organized all of us to get him a new jacket and hat.  He thought we were crazy, but I'm happy to report he's wearing it!

Although she wasn't able to celebrate with us last year, Mom was still with us.  It's tough getting through the holidays without her this year.  My sister-in-law Karen and my sister Kathleen got each of us these beautiful ornaments.

Winter's Wrath

On December 1st, Lee competed at Winter's Wrath, his first powerlifting competition in more than two years.  He has taken time off for a variety of reasons, both physical and mental and by the time he decided to compete again, he was more than ready.  He competed full power - squat, bench and deadlift - and ended the day with three personal bests.  Lee squatted 615 pounds (PR), benched 370 pounds, and deadlifted 600 pounds (PR), for a total of 1585 pounds (PR).  It was both exciting and nerve-wracking to watch him compete again and we are incredible grateful to Nick and Morgan, both of whom made the trip to New Hampshire to handle Lee for the day.  We are so proud of his accomplishments, especially at the ripe old age of 44!

The 600 pound deadlift at the end of a full power meet (9th out of 9 attempts over a 10 hour day) was the culmination of years of hard work - no greater evidence of its meaning to Lee than this ultimate man hug with Nick.

Huge thanks to Nick and Morgan. 

A hint of a smile.

November Odds and Ends

This kid cracks me up.

Harry Potter chess while the bearded dragon looks on.

Buddies.

Early morning games = early morning coffee

Sporting girls at the Thanksgiving Day 3 v 3 tournament.

Snuggles with Willis.

Box jumps.

O Christmas Tree: 2018 Edition

After last year's ridiculous tree adventure, we were lucky to find a tree close to home this year.  One of my friends was picking out a tree with her family and texted me that there were Clover-worthy trees available (thanks Kate!).  We jumped in the car about an hour later and drove the two miles the the tree farm; we actually found a couple of trees that were good, but finally decided on a monster.  Several people told us how big the tree is (not helpful) as we were lugging it to the baler.  As usual, we needed some assistance getting it on the truck, and then we needed help getting it into the house and upright.  And, perhaps it's a bit bigger than last year.  It's strange that Lee doesn't just put his foot down and reign me in on this, as it's a bit out of control...

The teenager...

Our tree.

Annual reminder of how much Lee loves me....

They needed the tractor to pull it through the baler.

Two of the strongest guys I know, right here... 

Nick wasn't sure how to feel here.  He'd never seen anything like this; he thinks Lee is crazy; he is furious at me because he doesn't want Lee doing anything strenuous one week out from a major competition.  Later that night, Nick and his wife went out and bought a fake tree at Home Depot.  Scarred for life.

My girlfriend Kate had to see it in person, the play by play over text wasn't enough.  Last year, I Facetimed her after we put up the tree and she actually cried, she was laughing so hard.