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A Long Month

It was a particularly hot evening as Steve, Catherine and the kids sat in the living room, browsing through online stores for winter coats, boots, and clothing.

"I can't believe we're going to New Jersey for Christmas," DJ said with an excited smile as he ran a hand over Luna's fur.

"And you don't have to worry while we're gone, because Esther will take super great care of you and Uncle Chin will give you extra treats when he comes over to swim with Cammie," Angie added. "You can ask Cammie and Pumpkin, it's going to be fun."

Steve and Catherine shared a smile at her suggestion the cat inquire with her peers.

"I know it snowed last time but I don't remember it too good," the six year old said, "Is it going to snow when we're at Nonna's this time?"

"Hopefully," Catherine said with a kiss to her head. "You'll get to see snow for the second time."

"And we'll be at Nonna's house! That'll be so fun." She nodded, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"That's why we have to buy some winter clothes," DJ informed his sister, "We haven't been anywhere cold in a long time."

"Angela said she's got plenty of hats and gloves you guys can wear," Steve said, scrolling through a selection of jackets.

"And we want to be prepared for the cold," Catherine said with a grin, tapping on her phone to check the weather forecast in Nutley. "See, here's the average temperature in December."

"Is that very very cold?" Angie peered at the screen.

"It's pretty cold, baby girl," her father told her with a smile.

"It says, The Farmer's Almanac predicts the Atlantic corridor — which includes New Jersey — can expect more snow than usual during the winter season of 2023-2024," DJ read aloud. "The snowiest periods will occur at the end of December, late January, and mid-February,"

"Looks like we may have a white Christmas," Steve said.

"Nonna's house is nice and warm," DJ reported, "I remember afghans like the ones she made us were on all the beds, and," he chuckled, "you didn't want to nap so you kept falling asleep in all these really weird places."

"I did?" Angie looked up at him. "I don't remember that."

"You definitely did," Catherine smiled at the memory. "In the pantry, under the Christmas tree, in a closet…"

Angie giggled. "I'm big now so I'll only sleep in my bed."

"That sounds like a plan," Steve grinned, pulling out his phone. "We should give Nonna a call."

DJ nodded in agreement. "Good idea, Daddy. Nonna might have some tips on what we need to pack."

Steve dialed Nonna's number, and soon the familiar face of the beloved grandmother filled the screen. "What a nice surprise, Nipote! How is my beautiful family today?"

"Hi, Nonna, we're very very good!" Angie exclaimed. "We called about stuff to bring to New Jersey."

"I can't wait for you to come and stay with me. It's been too long since I've seen my bambini," Nonna said, the joy evident in her voice.

"We're excited too, Nonna. And we're shopping for cold weather clothes for the kids. DJ had the idea to check with you for advice on winter clothes," Catherine added, leaning towards the phone. She shared a smile with Nonna, knowing she was well aware Steve and Catherine had served in cold weather and the Rollins' had been stationed in a few cold locations.

"Don't you worry, tesoro. I have some ideas and other than clothes, we have everything you need here. I'll make sure you're all bundled up and cozy," Nonna reassured them, her voice comforting and warm.

"That's great." DJ beamed. "We can't buy winter clothes on Oahu," he told her. "So we're shopping online."

"I can't imagine shopping for winter clothes in a tropical paradise. You'll need warm, waterproof jackets and boots," Nonna chuckled.

"That's what we've been looking at," Catherine said with a kiss to DJ's head. "And Angela said she has plenty of hats, scarves and gloves we can borrow."

"We'll all have fun getting you ready for a winter wonderland." Nonna beamed, her enthusiasm infectious. "Angie, mio bambina, you were very tiny when you were here last time but you loved the snow. I can't wait to see you experience it now that you're a big girl."

"The farmer said it's going to snow while we're at your house!"

"What farmer, bella?"

"She means the farmer's almanac, Nonna," DJ explained with a smile.

"Oh, my Daniel would already be buying salt and preparing to shovel me out if he lived here. He's such a good boy."

"We'll all be there to help if you get snowed in," Steve shared a glance with Catherine. "Like the first time."

"Hey, Nonna, do you have any goats in New Jersey?" Angie suddenly blurted out, her eyes wide with curiosity.

Nonna's laughter echoed through the phone. "I don't have goats, but there is a lovely petting zoo with rescued farm animals nearby. Would you like to visit them?"

"Yes, yes, yes, please! I want to see the goats and play in the snow!" Angie exclaimed, bouncing in her seat. "I can tell them all about Felix and take pictures to show him when we get home."

"We'll make sure to arrange a goat visit, then," Nonna said as Catherine ran a hand over her daughter's head with a soft smile.

"I may have heard you're going to be making cannoli, I miss your amazing cannoli," Steve said, his mouth watering at the thought of the pastry.

"I'll have a batch ready for all of you. Now, I'll let you continue your shopping. I can't wait to see you soon.

"We can't wait either. Love you, Nonna," Catherine blew a kiss.

They said their goodbyes, and Steve ended the call.

"Nonna sounds so happy. I can't wait to see her," Angie said, clapping. "I'm going to give her so many hugs."

"Me too. It'll be so fun," DJ added, a smile tugging at his lips.

"But first, let's focus on getting the winter clothes sorted out," Catherine redirected their attention back to the task at hand.

The family spent the remainder of the evening discussing and selecting winter clothes, including boots, jackets, hand warmers, fleece lined pants and an array of warm sweaters and sweatshirts. One in particular, that featured a yule goat, made Angie giddy with delight.

"Okay, mission accomplished," Steve commented, stretching his arms.

"We did it! We're all ready for the cold," Angie cheered.

"I can't wait to see you bundled up in your new winter gear," Catherine told the kids.

"And you and Daddy got winter stuff already, right?"

"Right, baby girl," Steve answered. "We have everything we brought for our last New Jersey trip."

"Because grown-ups don't outgrow their clothes," she observed.

"It'll be super cold but so fun," DJ remarked. "Me and Joan were six last time like you are now. You'll have even more fun this time cause you're old enough to do more stuff."

"I'm sure Nonna will have some exciting Christmas activities," Catherine said, glancing at Steve.

"Knowing Nonna, I'm sure she'll have some special surprises," Steve replied, a smile reaching his eyes.

"I hope there's a Christmas parade! And maybe we can build a snowman," Angie said, her imagination running wild. "Like Olaf!"

"I'm sure this Christmas will be unforgettable," Catherine smiled, her heart warming at the thought of the kids' upcoming experiences.

"And we can't forget about the food. Nonna's Christmas feasts are legendary," Steve added, a grin playing on his lips.

"I can already taste the cannoli and pasta," DJ said, licking his lips in anticipation. "And homemade pizza and strouffoli… and hot cocoa at bedtime…"

"Which reminds me it's about story time. Time to start getting ready for bed," Catherine announced.

As the kids headed upstairs, Steve and Catherine took a moment to themselves in the living room. "Can you believe we're taking our family to experience another winter Christmas with Nonna?" she said, leaning into Steve's embrace.

"It's gonna be amazing. I can't wait to see the their faces when they see snow," he replied, holding Catherine close. "And I'm looking forward to winning another snowball fight."

"Of course you are," she chuckled. "I'm really excited to see Nonna."

"I know that feeling is mutual," Steve said, pressing a kiss to Catherine's forehead. He smiled against her skin as Angie's voice carried from upstairs.

"Mommy, Daddy! We picked a book and we're all ready for story time! It's the one about Simba.

Steve pecked Catherine's lips and as they drew apart, said, "I can't wait to see their expressions when we spring the surprise."

"Me, too."

"Mommy? Can I wear my New Jersey Rocks shirt on the plane?" Angie said as she met them at the top of the stairs. "And can I sit with Uncle Danno?" She took a breath. "How many more days is it?"

Glancing at Steve after he gave Angie the count for the hundredth time since Thanksgiving, Catherine laughed and bent to kiss her daughter's cheek. "It's gonna be a long month."

# THE END thanks for reading

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