Goodnight from Kalamazoo, Michigan

Today, Mikey performed in a Matinee at West Michigan University. The cast was thrilled to see a huge billboard advertising Oliver on the highway. It has the picture of Colin and Q from "Consider Yourself." Missy has posted it on her facebook. The theater was huge and had a full house. After the show we went to dinner at Brewsters with our tour family (Missy, John, Colin and Q.) We trekked back through the snow singing songs from the 70's and 80's. I was on a brief roll actually knowing who sung some of the songs. Tonight the Da Vinci Code is on TV and Mikey is totally facinated with it. I told him make sure he does not quote the theories back at St. Frances De Sales School (LOL). He spoke to his Dad on the phone so he could understand the plot better. Now I am getting ready to pack again because we leave 830 tomorrow morning for Springfield, Ohio. It is very cold here and I think it is going to be even colder there. Mikey has been working on his sketch of Zac playing Fagin. I think it is his most interesting one yet. He had Zac posing at intermission in the green room so he could study his makeup. He is becoming a very serious artist! I will be very happy when I don't have to pack every night and drag luggage every morning. The tour is starting to wind down. One of the crew today said we have 21 more shows left. It seems so little a number yet March seems so far off. Tomorrow we are in Erin's (Mrs. Sowerberry and Old Sally) hometown and her parents are throwing a reception for the cast after the show. Everyone is looking forward to that. We just spoke to Maria and Mike a few minutes ago to wish them good night. I can't wait to tuck my little girl into bed again. I am looking forward to flying home for a few days the first week of February. I miss the other half of my family sooooooooooooooooo much!

Hello from Kalamazoo, Michigan

Today, we had a more human bus call (11am). This is good because several of the cast members are under the weather. I am happy to report that baby Spencer is feeling better. We all felt so bad for him yesterday afternoon. He bounced back pretty quick last night and was having Mikey chase him down the hotel hallway. Mikey has been giving him all the love an attention that he can't give his baby sister Maria. Mikey has decided to follow in Colin's footsteps and start learning from Chris (Bill Sikes) how to do pushups, pullups, situps and jump rope. He is very funny because he thinks he has already gained muscles and decided to show them off by carrying Clare's big suitcase up the hotel stairs last night. (One of those hotel's we hate: no elevator.) It was only a three hour drive to this hotel in Kalamazoo, so if felt like a piece of cake compared to all the long rides we had. After Mikey finished his homework we went with Colin, Missy, Allaggio(Noah) to grab a bite to eat. This is another state that does not believe in sidewalks. There are snow piles 5-6 feet high so walking in the street was a little scary. We always seem to have to risk our lives to find food on this tour. We went to a nice place called Brewsters which luckily was not to far of a walk. It is suppose to get even colder the next few days so I am not looking forward to that. I think that Brewster's walk will feel longer once the temperture drops. Missy and I stayed back tonight to do laundry. It is a sad thing when the most exciting thing is that the hotel has a washer machine and dryer. It is amazing how quickly laundry piles up and you just don't want to miss an opportunity to do it when you can. We are happy that we are in this hotel for two nights. These one-nighters are wearing. All you do is pack in the morning, upack at night and then pack back up again the next morning. The worst is that I haven't been able to fall asleep lately until 230am. It wouldn't be so bad if I could sleep on the bus but so far it has been a struggle. Mikey is still loving every minute of it and still has the glow on his face when he is performing. I can see he is going to have a tough time when he has to say good-bye to the cast at the end of the tour. He has been presenting each cast member during the tour with a sketch of them in costume. He finished his sketch of Colin's (Dodger) and gave it to him the other day. Colin has it hanging up on his bus window. I am truly amazed at the details he puts into his sketches. I told him he has to pick up the pace with his sketching because the tour is winding down. I am really pleased by all the sketching he is doing. He has been creating characters for plays that so far are only going on in his head and not written down. He has his "DS" with him but he mostly sketches. This kid got talent from somewhere....but it certainly wasn't from me! I was happy to talk to Maria who was excited about a sleep over at Uncle Jim's and JoJo's house. she told me about all the fun she had at cousin Skye's house. She played with Luke, Johnny and Skye on the trampoline. She loves going to Skye's! Mike is preparing for another Polar Bear Party with his work friends on Sunday. You would think New Day was enough for him, but no he is crazy! Mikey should be arriving back from the show any minute now, so I will say good-night.

Muncie, Indiana

We left Iowa and are in Muncie, Indiana. The front desk man in Iowa told us the big news in Iowa was that a cow froze to death when the cold front moved in. That is until the Oliver National Tour arrived! We woke up and there was a great review of the show in the daily newspaper. Not too much happening in Muncie, Indiana either. We are here for a one-nighter. We arrived at the hotel and Mikey jumped right into the shower. While in the shower the light above it popped and started to smoke. (I guess he may have hit one of his high notes,LOL.) We were lucky because at first we did not realize what the noise was and that there was actually glass in the tub with him. The hotel manager was nice and immediately changed our room. After "Mike Check," Mikey was thrilled to participate with other members of the cast in a Q and A with students at Ball University. It was a lot of fun for him. I think we hit another theater with a phantom in it. Either that or it followed us from the hotel room. There were some sound problems with the opening number "Food Glorious Food." You couldn't hear the beginning of the song as the kids marched out. Later the lights went out on stage. Baby Spencer and a few of the cast members got sick. Hopefully, tomorrow everyone will feel better. After the show the kids got to meet their California tutor's (Kevin Moll) parents. They came to see the show and wanted to say hello for Kevin. Kevin was a great tutor for them and would share his "Rumis" game with them. When Kevin left to tour he forgot "Rumis" and the boys have been so worried about getting it back to him because they knew it was special to him. Many of the kids he has tutor have enjoyed the game. Unfortunately, the game box got a little beat up being stored under the bus with the luggage since it has been under there so long. However, it is finally in safe hands. Colin saved the day by running to the bus and working hard to find the game so that Kevin's parents can give it back to him. Kevin's dad called Kevin in Californina and each of the boys got to talk to him. They all looked so cute while they were talking to him on the phone. I had to tell each of them to hurry up because our bus was about to leave us. We also bid a fond farewell to Clare's (tour manager) mom. She traveled with us for a week to spend time with baby Spencer. He really seemed to enjoy her visit. On another front: Shout out to my nephew Sean on getting into St. Francis Prep High School!

Hello from Burlington, Iowa

"Oh, there's nothing half way about the Iowa way to treat you when we treat you which we may not do at all......We can be cold as a falling thermometer in December if you ask about the weather in July and where so by-gone stubborn we stand touching noses for a week and half and never see eye to eye.............." (For you Music Man fans).
I guess you can guess by now where we are. "IOWA." We arrived here for a one-nighter. The hotel is nice and has a hottub and pool. John, Q, Mikey and I had a lovely walk through the snow piles to get something to eat. (apparently IOWA does not believe in side walks) Thank goodness after Waukegan, Il nothing else seems cold. The walk actually felt good after spending so much time on the bus. Not too much going on today. Iowa's landscape looks very flat and varied from a wheat colored barren grass to areas with white snow. Of course where we are staying the ground is covered with snow. The people were getting a little mad at us for walking rather than driving. Since we did not have the luxury of having a car we paid no attention to them. Tomorrow we have a 7am bus call and are heading to Muncie, Indiana. Love to all. Mikey and Sue

Hello from Missouri

Our wonderful tour manager (Clare) gave us time to stop at the St. Louis Arch yesterday. We were so happy because we passed it in our travel several times but never had the opportunity to stop. The kids enjoyed getting in the elevator that looks like a little spaceship with 5 seats and riding to the top. The Arch is 650feet and overlooks the Mississippi River. You could see the city and the river from the top of the arch. You could see the ice floating in the river and you could also see the stadium. Mikey was using his new camera to snap photo after photo. He layed on the ground under the arch and took photos. We are happy again because we will be staying in the same hotel for tonights again. We had a nice dinner in the sports bar and rested the first night because there was no show. Today, Mikey and I enjoyed having the heating swimming pool all to ourselves. After swimming went to the Mall with Missy and Colin. Q and John went to the Mall ahead of us. We enjoyed eating dinner at Panera Bread and then it was time to go to the show. I stayed back because I wasn't feeling so hot and also to get some laundry done. Tomorrow we are off to Iowa. Goodnight!

Hello from Paducah, Kentucky

We feel like we have landed. We are actually in the same place for two nights! What a pleasure. The cast threw a "Middle School Dance," for Colin (Dodger) because they found out he missed his dance while on tour. They all dressed how they did when they were in Middle School themselves and also acted out the part. Colin was so thrilled that he went back to his room to get spiffed up himself. Mikey just loved every single minute of it. I felt like I was on the set of "Saturday Night Live." See the video Missy posted and you will see why. The girls in the cast all danced with the boys while Ashley played Sister Mary Catherine and made sure they kept room for the holy ghost. Will was teaching everyone the electric slide. Fun was had by all. Will post pictures soon. I thank the cast for caring so much about the kids and being so great to them!

Evansville, Indiana

Can you believe Mikey is really in Indiana! "Not Louisana, Paris, France, New York or Rome! But........Indiana, My Home Sweet Home! Okay, I know I am corny but I couldn't resist since his last part before being in Oliver was playing "Winthrop" in Music Man. This has been some week since returning on tour. Basically we travel 300 plus miles during the day and then arrive in time to grab a quick bite and go to the theater. We are looking forward to Paducah, Kentucky because we will actually be in the same place for two nights! Hooray!

Walking in "Memphis," AGAIN!

We were all thrilled to be "Walking in Memphis," again on a stopover to Waukegan, Il. Everyone was so exicted because Matt David and the cast of the Drowsy Chaperone were staying at the same hotel. Matt was our orignal "Mr. Brownlow," and left to be in the Drowsy Chaperone. The cast all had dinner in BB Kings and everyone really enjoyed the music and seeing Matt. Baby Spencer and a fun time dancing to the music. Mikey enjoyed his dance with Rhiannon and some dance moves with Ashley. It was fun shopping on Beale Street again. I bought myself a ceraminc Elvis to hang on the bus but unfortunately he only lasted a morning before falling to the floor and breaking. I still have him from the thighs up! Colin and I were in rare form doing our impression of the "Blues Brothers"(Can be seen on Missy's facebook.) I swear I wasn't drunk....I was just so.........happy to be off the bus! Our next stop was Waukegan, Il. What can I say except that is was minus 20 degrees. The kids did get to meet the cast of "Oliver" from the local theater company. They were putting their show on in a couple of weeks and came to see the show. The kids seem to enjoy talking to each other. Following Waukegan we travelled to Lima, Ohio. Rhiannon broke her finger so Erin went on as Nancy, Michele went on as Mrs. Sowerberry and Ashley played "Old Sally." They all did a great job and the show was very interesting to watch. These ladies are all so talented to be able to step in at a moments notice and perform so well. It was also special for Erin because her parents and friends were able to see the show. On the the next State...............

Hello from Galveston, Texas

Hello...........I'mback. Sorry I have been to cold and exhausted from the one-nighters that I have not had any inspiration to write. After Disney, Mikey and flew to meet the cast in Galveston, Texas. I was blown away by the devastation that still existed there. It brought back so many memories for me of losing my own home. We were lucky enough to have such wonderful neighbors, the Rockaway Community and the NYPD to help us. This community they all were wiped out and here it is 4 months later and the devastation is still everywhere. We saw miles and miles of coastline where just the pilings of houses remained or just the frame. Stores with no insides, cars still stuck in the mud, debris still strewn everywhere; big hotels with holes in the walls on the upper floors and people trying to rebuild again. I spoke to the owner of the grocery store across from the theater. He told me he lost all his inventory but was determine to get the store running again. He gave me a copy of how his store looked in the newspaper at that time. They were lucky in that they were able to throw out everything they had and get the store back opened that same week. He said the water by him was 9 ft and a few blocks away it was as high at 17ft. He told me before the hurricane the downtown area would be packed with people and you couldn't even find a spot. Today we say hardly any people except for those he came to the show. One women in the store told me her house was finally knocked down today and she was hoping to rebuild. While I was in the store I witnessed the store owner give free cleaning products to someone so they can clean their home. It was clear to me as they spoke to me that they felt it as clearly today and they felt it that day. As the women spoke to me about finding somethings in the debris perfectly find and other completely gone it brought me back to when we had to throw out the things from our house after the plane crash. I felt like I was back in time speaking to this women. I just wanted to hug her. Seeing a whole beach community wiped out like that made me a little nervous for Rockway. I hope this community finds the strength to rebuild itself. It will be some task. To take my mind off this sadness we had a very interesting hotel. All I can say is it felt like we were in an episode of "Cops" the tv show. The hotel had the best view of the Gulf of Mexico but that could not make up for the rest. It should have been called the "Double C" hotel. (Criminals and Critters) The cops were there regularly and while we were eating dinner we got to watch a live foot pursuit. Just to make everyone a little extra nervous....the Cops did not catch their man. The criminal element around the hotel I could deal with.....(although I wish I had my piece and handcuffs) it was the critters inhabiting my nightstand that made me stay awake all night. Let's just say the hotel's floors and walls moved and it had nothing to do with a hurricane. The hotel owes me money for my exterminating skills. We were so happy to leave Galveston. We got to shorten our trip by taken a ferry. The cast enjoyed being off the bus. We even were thrilled to see some dolphins and huge pelicans. However, we left Galveston driving past some of the most devestated areas. It was very sad.

Disney

Okay I am behind in my writing due to all the one nighters. I haven't felt very inspired. Let me finish off Disney and then get back to the tour. Disney was a blast and exhausting at the same time. Maria was very thrilled to meet Goofy and Daisy Duck. She also had a lovely chat in cave with "The Little Mermaid" Ariel called Maria her "Little Star Fish." She really had the most fun playing in the sprinkler with the other kids near Ariel's cave. You can spend tons of money but it is still the simple little things that kids like the best. We met Uncle Charlie at Magic Kingdom and after going on the "Peter Pan" ride the groups split. The boys went off with Dad and Uncle Charlie to "Space Mountain," and Maria and I did things she would like. We went on Dumbo, Winnie the Pooh, met Ariel, and saw the awesome 3D Movie:"Mickey's Philharmonic." If you never saw this make sure you do. It was so good that we went again with the boys and they loved it. Maria really loved Minnie's House and enjoyed playing in the kitchen. We all went on Goofy's roller coaster, even Uncle Charlie. During our stay we went to Hollywood Studios and Epicot. At Hollywood studios we all rode the "Tower of Terror," even Maria. The lady behind her was cracking up because every time the elevator went into free fall Maria would fly up a little in her seat and her hair would fly. The boys really loved the Rocking Rollercoaster. Maria and I saw the "Little Mermaid" live show and we all went to the "Beauty and Beast" show. Mikey day was made when he got to fight "Jack Sparrow." They were doing a live perfomance outiside the "Pirates of the Carribean ride." Mikey was one of the kids selected to participate. All the kids were giving sword fighting instructions and a phrase to say to trick the pirate they would fight. The kids all fought Jack's assistance and then when it was Mikey's turn, Jack Sparrow tells him "Your going to fight me." He really loved it! Johnny got to talk to "Crush" the turtle in the "Voyage of the Little Mermaid." The turtle taught him how to say "Totally Sweet." We walked our feet off and would swim every night when we went back to the hotel. The boys really enjoyed the late night swims and snacks. A good time was had by all! Mikey and I had to go home and then fly back to the tour the next morning. Scroll down to check out some pictures.

Hello from Disney in Orlando, Fl

I have come to to conclusion that I am definitely out of my mind. Instead of spending our week off at home like a sane person would who has been on the road since September I am at Disney. Don't get me wrong, I am loving it, every minute of it.....it is just that my feet hate it! We arrived here today and everything went smooth. Disney even gets your luggage from baggage claim at the airport and delivers it to your room. The villa we have is great. We have a huge bedroom with a master suite. There is a separate room for the Jacuzzi Tub, a huge seperate shower room, and walk in closet. It also has a living room, kitchen and suite for the kids. The kids have two queen size beds, a dressing room with large counter and sinks as well as their own bathroom. The kids were a bit exhausted from the early travel since they were all too exicted to sleep last night. We all fought our tiredness and had a lovely dinner at the Yatch Club followed by the Epicot firework displa. Mike, Mikey and Sean even made it for a late night swim. Maria, Johnny and I lost all energy and chose to stay in the villa. Maria enjoyed "Its a Small World" and John and Mikey kept snapping away photos with their new cameras. At lunch Uncle Mike encouraged all the boys to ride the toy stick horses that the restaurant had. They all lined up and rode them around the room. Maria loved it, Sean and John were a little embarassed but were good sports. Mikey of course was the last one to put his horse down. The meals have been great and we plan to meet Uncle Charlie and conquer the Magic Kingdom for real tomorrow. Have a Magical Night! Love, Sue and Family PS scroll down and look left to see pictures.

Happy New Years from Wisconsin and Happy Birthday, Missy!

Schmeil, Schmazzle, Hots and Pepper Corporated! We're gonna make it after all...........We landed in the land of Laverne and Shirley! Unfortunately I forgot my winter coat in sunny Florida. It was almost cruel sending us from Florida to here. We went from 80 degrees to 3 degrees. I was silly enough to leave my winter coat on the tour bus in Florida. So here I am in fridge temperatures without a coat. (Can I get credit towards my Polar Bear membership.) We landed here about 4pm on New Years Eve. We are staying in a beautiful hotel with real comfy beds and have two days off without a show. For New Years Eve we went with our tour families (Missy, Colin, John and Quentin) to a nice Italian Restaurant right across the street from the hotel(Thank God, since no coat!) We were amazed that we got seat right away since when we called around they would not take any reservations. The food was delicious and then we went back to Missy's room to celebrate her birthday and New Years. We celebrated NY Time and then Wisconsin Time. Missy's husband Steve sent her a bottle of Champagne which she so kindly shared with John and I. (Thank you, Steve) The kids had a fun pillow fight which can be seen on facebook. There are other interesting videos on facebook from the night which I will not describe! Let just say the Champagne got to me! I presented Missy with her birthday present....an official Morley Polar Bear shirt. She is now an honorary member until she really joins us, hopefully, next year. Mike gave us a full report from home and sent pictures of the Polar Bear party. He said it was really freezing and his thumbs hurt for two hours after the swim. We have been doing the Polar Bear party for the past six years on New Years Day since we live right by the beach. This year Mike bought two big polar bear statutes to put on the stoop to welcome those that came to the party. This is the first year it has been so cold. This year separated the men from the boys and the woman from the girls. In my house the teenage girls went in while the teenage boys couldn't bring them selves to jump in. GO GIRLS! (Kasey, Jessie and Mariah) Maria told me she was very cold just watching and that Daddy thought she went in because JoJo wrapped a towel around her over her coat to warm her up. Mikey and I really missed being there today. Missy and Mikey both wore their Polar Bear shirts today. I guess if we wanted to show Mike up we could have jumped in the Great Lake nearby the hotel but that just would have been crazy! Tomorrow the boys don't have a show until the evening so it is like having another day off. We really look forward to down time, especially when we are in a nice hotel. Now that I have caught up with all my posting...........my fingers hurt! Happy New Years to All and to All a Good Night! Love, Sue and Mikey ....P.S. Don't forget to scroll down and look left at all the new pictures I added!

Hello from Sarasota

We were sad to leave home but Sarasota, Florida was a great first stop to help cheer us up. It was sunny and in the 80's. The Sarasota Marina Hotel had a beautful pool with an outdoor Tikki Bar. I finally got a Pina Coloda in the sunshine. We had a round to celebrate Missy's upcoming birthday in the sunshine. The sun really felt good. Mikey enjoyed the pool, especially after Ashley joined him. It was so nice beside the pool that we (Missy, John and I) decided to have Pizza delivered and eat right there before the show. Our room had a little terrace that looked out at the water inlet and the beautiful boats. We were happy to have Mike's Aunt Eunice and family come to see the show. It was great seeing them. On December 30th we were really happy to see Uncle Charlie. He lives in Sarasota and joined us for breakfast. We then sat by the Marina and Mikey and Uncle Charlie walked on the dock looking at all the boats. Uncle Charlie really enjoyed the matinee and then we went to Apple Bees for Dinner. We really enjoyed our day together and then Mikey had to go an perform in an evening show. Uncle Charlie was very sweet when he called me later to tell me what a nice day he had with us. We are happy he has decided to join us for a day in Disney when we are there next week. I really like Sarasota, especially how warm it was in January. I procrastinated packing for our trip to freezing Wisconsin. But the show must go on...................

Home for the Holidays!

Mikey and I were thrilled to go home for Christmas. Maria and Mike picked us up at the airport on December 21st. There were tight hugs all around! We knew it would be a crazy fast week but we were determine to get the most at of it. On Monday we went upstate to see Grandma and Aunt Eileen for Christmas. We had a lot of fun exchanging presents and catching up with each other. On Tuesday I visited the beauty parlor to get rid of the "Skunk" look! Wednesday I shopped, wrapped presents and then the family went to Aunt Mary's for Christmas Eve dinner. It was delicious. Christmas morning opening the presents Santa left was so much fun. Mikey pretended to faint when we told him about Disney and of course Maria had to do the same. The kids loved all the presents. Daddy made us some waffles for breakfast and then we had to clear the presents out of the living room to make room our guests. On Christmas the whole family came to our house and at some point I stopped counting how many seats we need for dinner! The little cousins had lots of fun opening presents and playing in Maria's room. Nana made delicious spiral hams and Uncle Artie contributed by making a leg of lamb which seemed to disappear quickly. Thanks Mom for all the wrapping and cooking because I could not have survived without your help. It was fun tell cousin Johnny that he was going to disney with us. I wrapped a shirt I bought for him in Mt. Rushmore. I told him I know you wanted money but I thought this shirt was better. You could tell as he looked at the shirt that he rather have money. Then I told him to read the note I wrote. It said" You will need to wear this shirt in a very special place in two weeks. See below for clues. On the paper was stickers of Mickey Mouse. His face was priceless. He seem to be afraid to guess so I finally told him it was Disney. He did not believe us at first and kept asking "Are you serious." The day after Christmas we took Mikey and his friend Reilly to see "Young Frankenstein." Before the show we ate at Ruby Tuesdays. The kids absolutely loved the show and Mikey has not stopped singing the songs. I apologized to the cast in advance! Some of them are verrrrrrrrrrrry interesting and not necessarily age appropriate! LOL. The next day was his actual birthday and we had a few of his friends and family members over to celebrate. He really enjoyed playing with his cousins and Will, Michael, Brandon and Caroline. He misses all of them while he is away. It was so good to see Mary who shamed me into updating this blog. Maria enjoyed playing with Alex. Sunday was our day to pack again. Maria and I stayed in our PJ's all day. It was hard leaving Mike, Maria and Nana again. Knowing I would be home in a week to take Maria to Disney got me through it. Not sure what will get me through when I have to come back after Disney. I guess I'll take it "One Day at a Time."

Hello from Melbourne, Flordia

Okay sorry I have not written but so much was going on. The next few posts will be catch ups. We were in Melbourne Florida December 20th and Lakeland, Florida before that. During that time the Cast made time to rehearse Christmas Carols. They made time in their busy schedule to go Christmas Caroling at a Nursing Home for the residents. John was so happy to be part of the Choir! The residents seemed to really enjoy it. When the cast was done with Christmas songs they decided to give their audience a taste Oliver. They really enjoyed hearing the cast perform a few numbers. Mikey, Colin and Q were happy they could finally participate in Oom Pah Pah! (LOL) On December 20th, Mikey and I were so excited that Uncle Bill, Aunt Loretta, and Aunt Loretta's sister Dolly came to see the show. Aunt Loretta surprised Mikey by visiting him in the dressing room. It was so nice to have company on the road. We had great seats and then Uncle Bill treated us to a nice dinner in a place near the theater that looked like a tikki hut. Mikey really enjoyed the chicken wings. Aunt Loretta and Mikey had great dessert with bite sized brownies and banana fosters. Unfortunately, we really had to rush dinner because Mikey had another show to perform in that night. Since this was our last night before going home for Christmas all the Secret Santa's were revealed and the gifts given out. Mikey's Secret Santa (Clare) gave him his current favorite movie S.T. and some yummies. My Secret Santa was Ashley and she gave me some of my favorite things. She along with Erin also had the most festive and creative outfits for the holiday party at the pool after the show. Mikey was the Secret Santa to Erin and he really was so happy he picked her. He had so much fun buying presents for her. I had Adam and had fun leaving him presents I thought he would like. Colin had Chaz and tortured him by making him read clues that led him to other people who had the clues that would reveal his final present and secret santa. We all had lots of fun but were so glad we are going home. Zac, Chaz, Ashley, Mikey and I all had a nice lunch at the Outback while we waited for our return flights home. I was very excited to be proofed when I asked for a Bloody Mary. I don't think I have been proofed in 20 years. I was so excited I called Missy to tell her. Hope everyone has a Happy Holiday season!