Christmas with Granddad and Kevin's family

Our local Christmas celebrations started with a family trip to the Daytona International Speedway for the drive-through lighting display. The Speedway's radio station plays Christmas music as cars drive slowly through the light displays inside and outside of the stadium.

 Ronan is still into car racing. He loves his Hot Wheels, and he seems to have a photographic memory for statistics about race cars, their numbers, their drivers, their specs, and their speeds. In mid-January we're heading out to the Rolex 24-hour race at Daytona, which should be a lot of fun.

Family Christmas celebrations started in Gainesville with Granddad, Sujata, and Kevin's family, who were staying there the first few days. The cousins immediately bonded again.

They had many shared interests, like playing in the pool, doing active things like martial arts moves, and, of course, looking at iPads. During their time together they worked on an impressive written story and iPad movie (based on the story) together. They filmed footage at the beach, then edited scenes on the computer to put together an impressive film!

We introduced Sylvia and Tavi to the trampoline park near Grandad's house, although they've actually been to the same attraction at home. They had a great time jumping and playing together.

 

As always, we had a great time eating out in Gainesville, including the super-large table at Mr. Han's.

After we spent time together in Gainesville, Granddad, Kevin, Anoosh, Sylvia, and Tavi came over to our home in St. Augustine to continue the celebrations. Uncle Chris and Aunt Caroline sent an amazing box of vegan foods for all of us to enjoy with our Tofurky Christmas Eve dinner, and to snack on during the entire visit.

  Granddad spent the night so that he could enjoy watching the kids discover their stocking gifts from Santa on Christmas morning.

Even Ginny loved her stocking!

Then it was time to open gifts on Christmas day.

 

Here's Brielle showing off her new hair extensions from Mark and Fran in front of the Christmas tree.

  Granddad enjoyed receiving the annual "grandkids calendar" from me and Kevin.

 Kevin and I also acknowledged the sad passing of his beloved cat, Toki.

It was so special to have Granddad and Kevin's family stay with us for Christmas!