We are racing into Christmas time before December even began. I got in clinic on Monday then spent the rest of the day cramming for book club, suffering through Cartel Wives. I do not recommend it. The conversation is always good and I got quality time in the car with Regan. I wanted to get good sleep for my San Jose match on Tuesday. Kerri and I fought hard and ended up loosing the third set. It was a long morning of dueling tennis with a 2-6 loss, 7-5 tie breaker win and then a 6-4 loss. That evening we went to the Inaugural Friends of James Weldon party. It was so wonderful to finally get that up and running. I also loved meeting some new middle school friends. Wednesday was an early release day. Right when I got all my wreaths up, the wind took over and blew them all down, along with a crazy down pour while the younger two rode home in the rain. My sister, Katie, Uncle Steve and their two boys popped in for a quick visit on their way into town. Uncle Steve had a convention in Orlando and drove up for a visit. It was so fun to see them back in Jax and snuggle the boys. Ellie went to babysit a new family while Phil and I headed to TCC for the Open House party. They did it again with a gorgeous event. Delicious food and fabulous conversations. I even made it to the photo booth. Thursday, I finally got into the PTSA lockbox (thanks to a locksmith) and was able to enter in a few more members for the November membership drive. I went to snuggle my nephews then headed to MOPS. Ashley did a great job with a toy swap and guided meditation. I got our Christmas cards printed and have been working on getting into the spirit with Hallmark movies and writing on the backs of the cards. Katie walked the boys over for a visit. I brought them to the park with us that night so Katie and Steve could go on a date. Conrad cried the whole time. Tracy, Laurie and I played pass the baby. Henry got beat up by cousins. It was a great night. Later, Phil and I went over for a nightcap. That was supposed to be our night off to rest up but we stayed way too late partying with my parents. Friday, I worked on getting out JWJ car magnets then mom took me for a mani & pedi for an early Birthday gift. The Kissing Kuklas and my dad met us for lunch at the Loop. I took Henry back to play for a while to give them a break. He loved having Voss' toys to himself. Voss had a baseball game that night. I wonder if everyone coming was too much pressure on him. It wasn't a great game but it was still fun to be out there together cheering him on. We met up with the ole Friday night gang over a firepit at the Bentons. Another late night. Ellie went to a CISV party. She still loves that crew. Saturday morning was the last studio Nutcracker rehearsal. My turn for carpool. I wrote out Christmas cards while waiting then went in to get costumes. We met the fam for a Firehouse lunch. Then we all went to Christmas in Avondale. I wish the weather had been a little cooler. Still fun getting into the festive spirit seeing friends, visiting the shops and hearing the music. Voss ended up getting lost and found some police to hang with. Too bad I had left my phone at home. Ellie and I read, Marly and Abby altar served and Phil, Ellie, Voss and I brought up the gifts. We took over the 2nd week of Advent mass. We had religion class then met my sisters at TCC for breakfast with Santa. I loved getting a Voss grandchild photo with Santa. We said farewell to the Kissing Kuklas as they drove to Orlando to catch a flight back to San Diego. We had a quiet afternoon watching Noel, having Sammy over to play and running a few card errands. We did a Birthday Eve dinner for me at High Tide. I was the only one who enjoyed it. Oh well. We ended with a family rosary in front of the advent wreath. Here are our photos of the week.