And just like that, Thanksgiving has come and gone and now we begin the hustle and bustle of Christmas. It's busy and crazy and stressful and absolutely my favorite. Monday was a fun clinic since we didn't have a match. It was Julie's Birthday so she, Rachael and I went to lunch at Biscotti's. It was delightful to sit and chat and just be together. I worked to get the neighborhood progressive dinner party invite out that afternoon. Still learning how to do anything on the Mac. Talk to me if you are a pro on this thing. Tuesday was cold. We played a fun match round robin with Julie, Rachael and Jane. I picked up my fixed up sewing machine and knocked out the rest of my orders. Our Christmas cards came in so I set it up to work on them on the drive to Miami. Phil and I went to TCC for a drink when he got home from work. Then, I headed out to a girls night for MOPS to Hot Pot, this Korean BBQ place. I was tired and it was a long night. I met Phil at VDub's pub for a nightcap. We got up on Wednesday and drove to Miami. It was a long, trafficy drive. Ellie and Abby were not good. I made the kids read aloud, Indigenous Peoples History of the United States (excellent Thanksgiving reading with the family). I worked on Christmas cards and ended up finishing the Will Smith book. We arrived in Miami and had an early fajita dinner, got haircuts and started a puzzle. On Thanksgiving morning, Abu and Marly made breakfast and then started on Thanksgiving dinner. Abby and I worked on the puzzle and watched the Macy's Day Parade. Ellie, Voss, Phil, Abby and I walked to the park. Vane came over. We ate dinner around 4pm. It was a delicious meal, filled with all the favorites. We left after breakfast the next morning and headed to the Everglades. We did an airboat ride, which wasn't amazing. We are so spoiled with river life and get to already see all there is to see in Florida that the airboat ride wasn't very impressive. Neither was the alligator show after. We waited in line to get our passports stamped and saw some real, authentic alligators hanging out by the entrance. That was pretty cool. We had gator tail on the way out. It was a long drive home. I think Spot got a little car sick. Phil and I stayed up watching Yellowstone. Saturday was a lazy day. We walked down to visit my parents. We put up Christmas decorations and our tree. Marly and I got tree trimmings to put in our fake tree so it looks fuller and smells great. We went with the VanWie's on their boat to see the boat parade downtown. We wanted to stay for the fireworks but we almost ran out of gas so we headed home. We did an adult dinner at Lillians then took the kids home to bed late. Marly altar served at mass and we brought up the gifts. Back to having coffee and donuts after; that was nice. We finished with decorating and more work on cards. We did the turkey triathlon, with some coaxing. Voss wiped out on his bike at the very beginning. I'm proud of him for powering through, but he wined the rest of the way. I didn't make him do the swim with open wounds. The girls rocked it! It was more of a polar plunge, it was a cold, rainy day today! To end the night, we went to the opening of Jack's Christmas lights. Amazing chilly, fellowship and fabulous synchronized lights! We have so much to be grateful for! Here are our pics of the week.