The last couple of weeks of December were all about family. Saturday, December 16, was basketball day for the Adams kids; Aker played in the morning in Maumelle and Ridge played at Bee Branch in the afternoon. We really enjoy watching them both play. Ridge is a really good player, and well advanced beyond his age group. He is a force to be reckoned with.

And then on Sunday, Kay and I traveled to the Memphis area to celebrate Christmas with Jenny, Harper, Lina, and Sutton. It was a subdued celebration as they all were recovering from strep throat. Kay and I masked up, and did not stay long. We sure would like to spend more time with them as this is only the second time we’ve seen them this year.

On Christmas Eve, Kay’s kids visited for brunch and gift exchange. The food was delicious and once again they outdid themselves in gift giving. This was more like the Christmases I used to experience many years ago, and it felt very comfortable. 

We attended the Communion and Candlelight service at church, a tradition Kay and I began when we first started seeing one another. After the service we celebrated Christmas with Jim, Jackie, Pam, and Jackie’s sister and brother-in-law; this too has become a yearly tradition.

Kay and I have celebrated Christmas Day the last several years by deconstructing the Christmas decorations at the house; this year was no exception. And, by this time I was ready to be through with the holiday season as some of our decorations have been up since Thanksgiving, and Thanksgiving was early this year.

We also usually travel on or after Christmas but follow-up dental appointments this year have necessitated our remaining home for just over 10 additional days. The dental office staff were dressed for the holiday.

New Year’s Eve was uneventful and we were in bed by 10 p.m. to wrap up 2023.