Well Saturday turned out to be a really nice day as we had the whole family including Rocky here at one time. It was Nancy's yearly cookie baking and decorating morning with the grands. The temps were near perfect as we had the windows and doors open for fresh air. We made plans now that Amy's family isn't going to Kansas for Christmas but instead coming to the cabin when Bobby and family come the day after Christmas.
I started the day with my usual before 6 roll out to my cup of hot green tea while I posted this ramble then spent some quiet time with my Creator and Lord giving thanks and lifting several up by name. Afterwards I headed out for the Rec. on my bike for close to 2 hours of pickle ball. We had a new player who I knew from years past who plays quite well. She has now moved down here and is teaching at a local high school. We teamed up a couple times and won handily as well as on opposing teams and while I gave her a few lessons she is very competitive and really a nice player. Hopefully she will come back on Saturdays and play with us.
I hand watered the gardens while waiting on Bobby and family to arrive around 10:30 along with Amy and her kiddos. I played with the boys while the kiddos cut out and decorated tons of cookies. The kitchen floor showed the evidence of their creativity. I grilled hot dogs for our lunches and afterwards Tyler took Rocky on a walk with Bobby and the boys so they would nap in their stroller. They did nap before they headed out around 2'ish for our nephews house in south St.Pete area around Snell Island for a birthday party for one of their sons. Everyone was invited but we passed as we were having our Life Groups Christmas party and dinner.
Nancy made a huge pot of Zuppa Soup which was the hit as it was nearly all eaten. Italian food was the theme and there was plenty to choose from. Afterwards we had a dirty Santa gift exchange which meant you could choose someones else's gift if you desired when your number was called. It was a hoot and a few gifts changed hands several times. I ended up with candy and a gift card as did Nancy. She was able to get back her gift that we brought which was candy and gift card to Chick filet. We said our good nights and good bye's as we won't see many of these folks until next year.
It was going on 9 when we got back home so it was time to hit the shower and then watch a little college football before turning the lights around 10:30. What a busy day and today Sunday is no exception as we travel to Tampa this morning to worship at Element Church where the twins are being dedicated to the Lord. Afterwards we will head back home and pick up the Nymarks at 3:30 and head to IRC for their Christmas program. then out to eat at a local steak house. The Botbyl's and Tracy's are supposed to join us as well, LATER
