McRollers-we can't thank you enough for all your lovely words and support through this, our (and this seems hard to believe) 10th year.

Welcome to part 1 of out Annual REAL McRoll Holiday Marathon

Let's Call it a Draw

As the captain announced, "Welcome to Liberty International Airport in Newark, New Jersey. It's a balmy 32 degrees, with 14 mile per hour winds and a light snow expected this afternoon," the plane began its descent.

Steve glanced out the window at the wintery scene below. "Looks like we're in for a cold welcome," he joked to Catherine, whose eyes sparkled with anticipation.

"I can't wait to see Nonna," Catherine replied, pulling Angie and DJ's hats out of her bag to keep them warm.

Angie squirmed in her seat, her eyes wide with excitement. "Are we there yet?"

DJ leaned over from his window seat to look out. "I think I see snow, Daddy!"

"Sure looks like it, buddy," Steve agreed, ruffling DJ's hair before turning to Catherine. "Good thing Angela's got plenty of scarves and gloves to loan us. We're gonna need them."

The plane touched down with a gentle thud, and the familiar sound of seat belts unbuckling filled the air.

"Yay! We're here!" Angie exclaimed, bouncing in her seat. Turning to see the seats across the aisle, she said, "Uncle Danno, I'm in New Jersey!"

Danny barked a laugh. "And New Jersey is ready and waiting for you."

"Everyone ready to brave the cold?" Steve asked, gathering their carry-on bags from the overhead compartment.

"We've got this," Catherine said with a grin. "Right?"

"Right, Mommy," DJ beamed.

As they disembarked the plane and made their way through the bustling airport, Steve kept his hand in Angie's while Catherine walked hand in hand with DJ.

"It's gonna be a whole different kind of Christmas this year," Steve murmured to them, his voice tinged with excitement.

A blast of frigid air hit them as they stepped outside, causing Angie to let out a surprised squeal.

"Ohh, it's so cold! But awesome!" She declared, gazing around at the dark landscape of the airport.

"Woah, it's freezing," DJ agreed as Catheirne fastened the top button of his new winter coat. "This is the kind of winter weather Nonna always tells you about," she said with a chuckle, pulling her coat tighter around herself.

"It's perfect Christmas weather," Danny declared as Grace and Gabby shared an amused grin. Taking a deep breath, he declared, "Smells like home."

After they grabbed their luggage and picked up the rental van, the family piled in, the kids chattering nonstop about Nonna's house.

"I hope Nonna made her lasagna," DJ mused, a dreamy look in his eyes.

"And some cookies," Angie added, licking her lips in anticipation.

The ride was filled with laughter and chatter as Danny pointed out landmarks along the way making the other adults exchange smiles.

When they arrived at Nonna's house, the kids practically tumbled out of the car, eager to see their beloved grandma.

The door swung open, and a warm burst of air enveloped them as Nonna appeared in the doorway, her eyes twinkling with joy.

"There you are! And look at my beautiful bambinos! Come here, come here!" Nonna cried, enveloping them in a group hug.

"Nonna, we missed you so much," Catherine said as she held onto the hug, her voice filled with emotion.

"Nonna, the flight was really cool," DJ said, practically bouncing with excitement.

Angie tugged on Nonna's hand. "Can we make snow angels if it snows, Nonna? Please?"

Nonna laughed, her voice a joyful melody. "Of course, my littlest angel."

As they stepped further inside, Nonna wrapped Grace in a special hug. "My bella bambina, more beautiful everyday. Te amo."

"I love you, Nonna," she whispered as she bent to kiss her great grandma's cheek.

"And I'm so happy Kendra will be joining us this year," Nonna said happily.

She wrapped Grace's longtime roommate in a patented Nonna hug. "Such an angel, you are. My bambina is so lucky to have found such a good friend to share her college experience with."

"It's so nice to finally meet you in person." Kendra smiled. "Thank you so much for having me. I told Grace I could just stay in the dorm over break …"

"Nonsense." Nonna dismissed the idea. "You're always welcome at Nonna's. How are your parents and your brothers and sisters doing?"

"They're pretty miserable," Kendra said. "The doctor said this is the worst flu he's seen in a long time. I hate not getting to go home for Christmas but my parents said there's no point in me getting sick too."

"Maybe when they're feeling better they can come and see you in Hawaii," Nonna suggested. "The sunshine will do them good."

"They'd love that idea," Kendra said. "I'll make sure to suggest it to them."

"Elizabeth, Joseph," Nonna said as she greeted them with hugs. "Looking wonderful, as always. Welcome, welcome, dinner's almost ready." She turned to Grandma Ang, whose arm was looped through Steve's. "And my wonderful friend, I can't tell you how happy I am that you're here!"

"I'm happy to be here," Ang replied with twinkling eyes. "I understand the BINGO pot at your church is still the biggest around…"

Nonna laughed. "It is and I have seats all ready for us." She wrapped Danny in another hug. "You look happy, sweetheart," she kissed his cheek. "The best present I could ask for. Now, let's get you all out of those coats and you can freshen up before dinner. I made a little antipasta to hold us over. Boys, you know where your rooms are and we can decide on the bambini's when Mary and the California family arrive. Such a shame you couldn't all get seats on the same plane."

Danny pecked her cheek. "They'll be landing in about an hour, and I've been waiting all week for antipasto." He rubbed his hands together. "How can we help?"

"It's so wonderful to see them this happy," Nonna murmured to Catherine, her eyes soft with love.

The aroma of Nonna's cooking and the chatter of the kids created an atmosphere of absolute happiness and contentment.

"Nonna, you remembered my favorite was the provolone cheese!" DJ exclaimed, his eyes alight with joy as he sat down at the table.

"Of course, caro. I remember everything you love," Nonna replied, ruffling his hair. "Dig in."

Steve leaned over to Catherine and whispered, "I don't know who's more excited, the kids or me."

Catherine laughed softly and kissed him on the cheek. "Let's call in a draw."

THE END

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