World Cup

World Cup prep started early with Greg getting our predictions for the Christmas letter, Andrew forcing my to put the World Cup songs in order best to worst, and all of us filling out brackets.  

I decided that we needed some World Cup traditions so each time the US played I made a dish from our opponents country.  Wales - Welsh Cakes (1st pic)

England - Bread and Butter Pudding with Custard Sauce

Iran - Oops I forgot becuase it was a school day

Netherlands - Banketstaaf (almond filled pastry log- 2nd pic)

I had lots of fun with the food but I don't think anyone else really cared - they just wanted to watch soccer.  And boy did we watch a lot of soccer.

We invited Andrew's friends over for some of the US games and had a lot of food to tempt them to come back rather than have Andrew go watch at their houses.  The girls were sucked in as well and by the end of Thanksgiving break we were all hooked...and we had our favorite teams.  

Natali watched Argentina win their semi final game in the Buenos Aires airport, an experience never to be forgotten and a lovley farewell to the country.

And that meant that she was home for the final - Aregentina v France.  The Easton cousins were over as well as Grandma Nani and Papa.  The game started at 9:00 and Natali was speaking in church at 11:30.  Natali came out with her jersey over her dress.  

Most of the crowd was cheering for Arentina and Messi but there were some French fans.  Kate picked France early and stuck with her team.  Mack was for France and Lily, as Mack's biggest fan, was a follower.  

Argentina took an early lead and it looked like it wasn't going to be close but then Mbappe pulled off some amazing moves and the game was tied.  Mack's sweatshirt came off at that point and the teasing began.  

It was an awesome game, so exciting and coming down to penalty kicks.  Argentina came off victorious as we all sprinted out the door to make it to church on time.  The World Cup was such a blast.  Can't wait to do it again in 4 years.  I'm hoping we get to attend some in person this time😉.