Monday, December 20, 2010

Here We Go, Here We Go, Here We Go!

Wish it'd snow! Wish it'd snow! Wish it'd snow!

The weather outside is frightful, but only because there is no snow! We have had days and days of gray skies and rain, which I have no objection to, except that as long as we have to live with cold, wind, and sogginess, then I think it would be wonderful if it would switch to the white stuff! Of course I say this in a completely naive and fanciful vein, because I appreciate that actual snowfall in coastal Southern California would likely be frightful.


Good News: The weather did nothing to dampen our holiday tradition... City sidewalk, busy sidewalks. Dressed in holiday style.

Hahaha... It's the most wonderful time of the year, when my thoughts come out in carols, and holiday tunes!

Our day in the city really does feel like a solid holiday tradition, now that we've done it three times. Our first trip with Ruth included a gospel brunch, and then last year we had a post-sniffphony dinner downtown.


This year we went for an early lunch in Little Italy, before arriving at Symphony Hall for the family Christmas Concert.


It really was a warm and cheery holiday benvenuto. We ate a hearty lunch, talked about plans for Christmas day, and watched Geoff artfully decorate our bottle of holiday cheer, Chianti. In the restaurant they hang the personalized bottles from the ceiling!


Then we bundled ourselves and popped over to Sniffphony Hall. Maria doesn't actually say "sniffphony" any more, but we do!


My boys! They've grown! Even Maria added an inch or two since last Christmas. The boys got early gifts, new bow ties, a couple of vests, dark socks.

Maria's pink eye made huge healing strides when we got the eye drops going. That was the nastiest conjunctivitis I have ever seen. Her tutu kept us supplied with hand sanitizer, and I had cleaning swabs on hand. And Maria was so overcome with sniffphony joy that none of her symptoms hampered her happiness.


The music was fun and familiar. The hall, so beautiful with the tall tree and decorations, and everyone donning their gay apparel, was merry and bright. These are the gifts of Christmas!

12 comments:

Jennifer said...

Let heaven and nature (and joyful families) sing!

ArtyZen said...

How lovely you all look! And how tall your boys are! I can smell the good cheer and it smells good! Axx

Emily Cole said...

I love that last photo, what a gorgeous family picture! I'm glad that Maria didn't feel yucky enough to miss the symphony, and boy... your boys have gotten SO big!

Miriam said...

What a gorgeous family you have! And what wonderful holiday traditions, too. Love the bow ties!

Christine said...

looks like a fun time!

mtnchild said...

You really are a very, very special family!! Many Merry Christmas and Happy New Year wishes.

Hugs to you all
Yvette

Anonymous said...

Can I send you some snow, we have plenty here. Looks like you had a brilliant time. Merry Christmas.

Tracy said...

Those handsome boys look so grown up now! And I love the festive bow ties... tee-hee... Miss Marie is lovely as ever... Very fun post, Natalie. Loving having a share in your holidays. Just catching up on your recent posts... I still have baking to do as a big one on my to-do list, but most all is done. We have a good many gatherings & get-togethers in the next days, so visiting friends early this week in blogland. I hope to post again before the holiday break :o) Hoping you & yours have the happiest holiday season & wishing you all the best in 2011! ((HUGS))

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

Merry Christmas to all!
I am listening to even more rain... oh, and a rooster crowing from the garage! I feel like a real (crazy) farmer, but their shark cage is flooded.
This is why our fancy day in the city is such a good idea... at least once a year we need to remind ourselves of lovely, graceful ways! Plus music... what magic music is.
I hope each of you has beautiful music in your safe, dry homes... happy tunes in your thoughts and hearts.

Little Messy Missy said...

What fun!!!

judy in ky said...

You do have a lovely, graceful family, Natalie. Your city looks beautiful, and it looks like you all had a wonderful time.

Golden West said...

What a fabulous family portrait of you all. Merry Christmas and all best wishes for a year of health and happiness!