Best Christmas ever!
I know, it’s a big statement. But, I’m a big statement kind of guy. Just ask anyone.
This Christmas season started off with the appreciation that I was here and could even see. Once we had that, as a foundation, we built on the time-honored traditions of years past. During our trip to Grandma & Grandpa Wagner’s, over Thanksgiving weekend, we visited Grandpa Brueggemeier’s grave-site and placed a wreath from Grandma Brueggemeier, who now lives near us in the Columbus area.
The next four weeks were spent baking, eating, shopping, cleaning, decorating and eating. It’s true that I had much to do with two of those tasks. (Fortunately it was listed twice! :-)) At this rate, I may be next year’s Santa Claus. That is if I’m not mistaken as the fattened Thanksgiving turkey. This is getting a little out of hand.
During those four weeks we also had holiday concerts where Grant, Jess and Colin all played their respective instruments. I refrained from yelling “Go Wagner!” at any of them. When we weren’t being wowed audibly, we were being entertained visually. This included Colin as point-guard, Jess as defensive-specialist and Grant taking the ACT.
On the 23rd, we headed north to Wayne, OH. That night we watched Pirates of the Caribbean (1 & 2) and got up the next morning for the Saturday morning breakfast with me brothers. Dan, Dave, Nick and Neil were there. Kyle was otherwise occupied. After the good spirited shouting match had ended, dad and I set off for another shopping trip. Mom and Connie enjoy sending us out the morning of Christmas eve. (I think it helps them get more preparations done) Of course, while we were out, we had to call them. Much like the Miracle Whip vs. Cool Whip debacle of ’94 some items on the list were not clearly defined. Once we had cleared the course we were ful-steam ahead. You’ll be glad to know that we returned ahead of schedule with everything accounted for.
Christmas-eve at my mom and dad’s was 60+ people eating, drinking and sometimes yelling at once. My gosh does it get loud in there! While there I finally met my newest grand-niece Karly Miller (3 months). She’s absolutely adorable. Then there was the grand-nephew that I had only met once, Benjamin Wagner (8 months). He was all decked out in his Santa suit and ready for his first Christmas morning. While were waiting for the kids to start unwrapping presents I was “talking” with, Benjamin’s 2-year old sister, Lily. She gave me five and responded when I said, “Merry Christmas” but I couldn’t hear what she had said. So, I bent down to hear what she was saying with my right ear. That’s when I lost sight of her. That was until I felt her lips kiss my cheek. Awwww! I was quite surprised. That was one of the first times that my lack of vision had a positive result.
Christmas morning was spent at Grandma and Grandpa’s. Mysteriously, Santa knew where we were. Everyone got what they wanted and I got another milestone. We traveled back to Hilliard and celebrated the next day with the Brueggemeier’s. We met our grand-niece Monica Brueggemeier for the first time. One of the most memorable highlights to the day was when Monica’s 3-year old brother Matt saw that our toilets said “American Standard” on them. He said, “hey dad, that’s my name!”. With all of those letters, it must be. Too cute!
When I wake up in the morning, I still check my vision. Can I see the ceiling fan? …yep! Can I see the clock? …yep! How about with both eyes propped open? …. not so hot! I’ll take it … Best Christmas ever!
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Love your updates!