Christmas 2023

 I've heard from so many people this year that it just didn't feel like Christmas. I have no idea why.

Damien helped me pick out the 2023 ornament this year. They're magnets! So cute :D

I went to my squadron's holiday party this year and had a good time. Photo courtesy of Damien.

I ran out of time to finish my last oil painting in my class so I had to finish it at home. 

An early Christmas present to myself--insulators so my hands don't have to touch the cold can! My Raynaud's is terrible.

Christmas Eve--Ready to go for the morning!

Damien opening his first present

After all gifts were open, this is what Damien said was his favorite--a squishy ball lol

More presents to open

Damien opening his gift from Scott

Which was a new monitor. Here is both his old and new monitor for comparison.

Damien jumped on his computer as soon as I set it up.

Here is the breakdown of gifts:
- Great Grandma and Tom: money
- Grandma and Grandpa Hanks: money
- Great Grandma and Grandpa Whitehill: money
(Damien is excited about the money and says he wants to buy Robux and a new video game right away)
- Scott (and maybe others in his family?): 27" gaming monitor
- Sarah: 3 plain T-shirts without graphics in his favorite colors (red, black, and yellow), socks, yellow squishy ball, red stretchy stress man, candy to include a 1-lb chocolate bar, Five Nights at Freddy's board game, Dumb Ways To Die card game, an Alien dissection thing, a new cell phone case which has a hidden compartment to hold his new debit card (I opened him a Youth Spending account)

Playing Dumb Ways To Die after Christmas dinner

Damien has had a cough and low grade fever since Saturday, but is doing well and had a great Christmas. Thank you for everyone to sending money/gifts to make our holidays special. We love you all!