The Christmas season just passed has been a very pleasant one. I'm sorry to see it end. We began on December 20th with a trip to the Auditorium Theater to see The Nutcracker with John and Sasha and members of Sasha's family. Sasha's sister, Sophia, was dancing the part of the gingerbread doll. We all enjoyed the performance and dinner afterwards at a Chinese restaurant in the UIC area. During the week I finished my Christmas preparations and helped on Monday with the kids' practice for the family worship service on Christmas eve. I had a chance to walk with my friend, Patty, on Tuesday, and enjoy coffee and cookies at her house afterwards. Christmas eve day Kristin and I had lunch and finished up some last minute grocery shopping. Picked Paul up from the train at about 4 and headed to church for the family Christmas eve worship service. The kids all did a great job. Paul and I had dinner afterwards at an Argentine steak house in Elmwood Park - we were the only ones in the restaurant and really enjoyed the food. Back to church at 10 for the 11 o'clock service - practiced with the choir before church began. Lots of special music by the choir at the pre-service music and during worship. Stayed for some mulled wine and cookies, then home to bed. Christmas day was a relaxing one - since the kids weren't coming until dinnertime. Spent the day working on dinner preparations, took a walk and talked to my mother and aunt on the phone. Dinner was fun - with some traditional fare - meatballs, rice pudding, mashed potatoes, ham, Swedish breads, etc. Opened gifts and had a good time. All headed home early since we were all leaving for Rock Island in the morning. Great week.
