Early December

 

Cozy and Christmas-y around these parts... 

A few more shots from our chilly tree-getting day...

... then, time to celebrate Nat's 50th birthday! A small family party on the day of...

...and then a big to-do at Proximity Golf Lounge on the 6th.  It was fun to have a party that required practically no set up and no clean up at all!  Everyone seemed to enjoy the golf simulators and the drinks, and the swanky atmosphere was perfect.

Nat's favorite gift of the night-- his new AARP card!  lol

In between the birthday festivities we had the most wonderful evening hosting Jack's girlfriend Vivian for a family dinner and movie night.  She is an absolute delight and we adore her.  So do the dogs, as you can see...

Such a cute moment when the kiddos snuggled up for her to look through Jack's baby photo albums.  She couldn't get enough of the pictures.  I knew those albums would come in handy someday....

picture of lazy animals for the algorithm...

Finally- time to decorate the tree at Superior!

The branches on this year's tree necessitated a lot more clustered grouping of ornaments that I usually try for.  But the finished effect was a delightful cacophany of color.

Family photo shoot at Crestland! Just a few of the outtakes here...

Of course we had to put her in a stocking. She was NOT a fan.

December 13th- our long awaited Indigo Girls show! We headed out to Warren nice and early and met up with some online friends for drinks-- first time meeting in real life for most of the group. They were all an absolute delight.

Then the show itself!  Which was phenomenal, as they always were...

.... but was a little bit more special than most...

After numerous emails and lots of anxious waiting, along with some surruptitious passing of notes to audience members around us- my surprise, song-dedication proposal to Holly actually happened. She had no idea, though she did wonder why I was acting a bit weird and sweating so much at the start of the show. :) When Emily announced that they had a song dedication, Holly just went "aw!" and looked at the stage in sweet anticipation.  Then they called our names and asked where we were and I pulled her to her feet and was in such a state of  starstruck overwhelm that Emily had to ask me twice if they should start the song.. and then I finally called out "I just want to ask her to marry me first!" and its a blur from there. I have no memory of kneeling and getting the ring out and holding it out to her, I vaguely heard Amy say "she said yes!" and the crowd went crazy.  They brought up the house lights and three thousand people cheered for us and it was unreal and amazing and I will never forget the look on her face. 

Luckily my notes worked and we got photos and videos of the moment from 20 some people.  I love Indigo Girls fans.  They are the best.

We got a set list and a signed song dedication cue sheet from Mark the roadie at the end of the show and my life is now complete. 

The next day- back to real life with two more Christmas concerts-- and our annual friends gift exchange in between.  Complete with themed snacks, chocolates, and procecco, and the most thoughtful gifts from our wonderful people.  I love us.

Sunday- another holiday concert but only in the evening, so we were able to go hear our friends in Windsong put on a fabulous and inspiring show at the Art Museum. We can't wait to get back to singing with them in the spring.

A few weeknights off from performing meant time to wrap presents and enjoy our cozy home...

... and to celebrate Jen's birthday!  Appetizers and cocktails at Maxi's, yum!

Last day of school before break!  A really special day with my sweet students, pj and movie day, and reading holiday books to each other... I am so lucky to work with these sweeties.

Coffee and candles and cookie baking...  Christmas is here!

Our last holiday concerts-- seven shows went remarkably quickly!

You can see me singing the "ooo" of Bethelehemu in the middle of these professional pics...