Now for what a Riley Christmas really looks like without an hour to primp, coordinate clothes, and threaten everyone to smile! It is often chaotic but oh so much fun. This year, Papa Ron and Nonna gave us family gifts they had worked hard to find at garage sales all throughout the year and they also gave us matching family hoodies with a groupon for a local skating rink. Much to our surprise, the kids did so well and really enjoyed themselves. They were such troopers feeling their way around the rink and trying to get the hang of rolling, not walking. And of course there were the usual Ranger rides filled with screams of "jump the hump," and "middle diddle". Little arms flew wildly in the air and smiles were bigger each time they returned. There were also swing contests to see who would be the first ever to touch the tree and who was brave enough to let go with one hand and touch the platform upon the return. Movies, bingo, food, and a whole lot of love made it what it always is...days like heaven on earth!
