Christmas 2013
So this Christmas was our first back East and while I was excited to be spending it with my family, it was bittersweet because with Kirby working 2 jobs it meant we would spend most of it apart. Lucky for me, with all of the festivities, I didn’t even have time to miss him and for Kirby, it meant he could do some night skiing. He also had this giant box of cookies from his mom to keep him company, so I wasn’t worried that he would starve.
On Christmas Eve, when we were both done work we jumped in the car and headed to Bill and Sylvie’s for a feast and festivities. Sylvie’s sister and nephew, Isabelle and David, joined us shortly after we arrived and we snacked and drank and ate turkey. There was a lot of laughter and at least one new inside joke born (where did you get the money!?) and we were all spoiled.
For breakfast the next day Sylvie made homemade baked beans, maple bacon and chocolate croissant! It was delicious.
After breakfast we headed East out of Montreal to Magog and it was so nice to have snow again at Christmas. Eastern Canada was hit with another ice storm and although it meant no power for a massive amount of people (including my brother), it also made for beautiful scenery.
The trees at my mom’s place laying heavy with ice.
Frozen apple tree at my Grandmother’s house.
On Christmas day Kirby dropped me at my mom’s and hung out for a few hours then drove back to Ottawa. Mom and I then decided to start our Christmas puzzle! In the end we were able to finish this 1000 piece puzzle in 4 days and I have to admit, working on this puzzle with my mom was one of the best experiences I have ever had. It truly embodies the reason why we came back East. We would sit together, drink tea, listen to music and spend HOURS just sitting together. Some times chatting, sometimes just being quiet, but just being effortlessly together. I rarely ever get to have my mother sit still with me (because she’s one of those superstar women who is always making 3 dinners and dessert and cleaning the bathroom all at once) but this year, with Michael at home full-time, it meant that mom didn’t have to do it all. I’m grateful for that.
On December 26 mom, Michael and I went to Beorn and Sabrina’s for lunch and gifts.
That evening, mom hosted the Ducharme Christmas.
Thanks to his mom, Parker got to fly (I really wish this picture had turned out better, but I love how happy he looks, so I had to include it).
And Crosby also had his moment in the spotlight.
What a good looking family.
On December 28th we got together at my uncle Pierre’s place for my Grandmother’s 85th birthday. It was a nice quiet evening and I am very grateful that I get to be around for these now.
On the 29th Bill and Sylvie brought me back to Montreal and fed me oysters! The next day they generously drove me back to Ottawa, took me out for lunch and then headed back to Montreal.
I have to say, this was a great way to finish 2013.
gabandkirby 