Christmas in Swansea

WE had an early start to our Winter Break because there was a water main break. All schools in Montgomery County got out two and a half hours late. I was sad, though, because we (Josh and I) didn't get to perform our marching band tour at Megan's elementary school.

We were all very excited to go to Uncle Joe's in Swansea near St Louis on Christmas Eve. We woke up at 6 am, and left at 7 am. We drove all the way to Joe's house with two or three breaks for brunch, and linner. When we finally got to his house around 8pm, we all enjoyed a meal of Neoguri and Shin noodles. Uncle Tim's family arrived not long after, and we all met Cousin Ashley for the first time (except for Jessica and Uncle Joe)!

On Christmas day, we all woke up and ate cereal together. We played the Wii and watched many movies. At around 4 or 5, Tsui Fang came and we all had a nice Boston Market dinner prepared by Aunt Joyce and Mom. After dinner, we gathered around the Christmas tree, set up by Joshua and Jonathan, and posed for photos. Then the long-awaited moment arrived. One by one, the names on the presents were read out aloud and passed out to the recipient. It was just fun and exciting opening presents and watching others open presents.

The next morning, we decided to go to the St. Louis Arch. Riding up the tram to the very top and then looking out the observation windows was a very unique and scary experience. We drove to the Galleria Mall, and, in the very crowded and noisy Food Court, we enjoyed our lunch. Then we strolled around the mall for an hour before heading back to Uncle Joe's house.

On Saturday, we had to drive all the way back to Maryland. The traveling was fatiguing and somewhat boring, but the whole trip to Illinois was definitely worth it and was most memorable. Thanks, Uncle Joe, for letting us come to your home to celebrate Christmas and enjoy a wonderful family reunion.

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