Christmas really happened!

It's only a week and a half ago that the last grandchildren and parent left, but it seems longer and shorter depending. Christmas was a wonderful two-week collection of family, food, and fun. Lots of laughter, teasing, games and catching up.

Kristy, Katelyn and Josh arrived Dec 18. I finished up school, Dana worked on her room and we were all involved in helping Grandad with Grandma. Grandma (Lee) broke her ankle Dec 17 and required help moving between chair, wheelchair, and bedroom. Peter arrived Sunday, Dec 21. We did find time to make tamales on Monday with Grandad. Dana's room was finished Tuesday, just in time for Craig, Janessa, Grace and Abby. Craig & Janessa let us know that Craig Jr. will arrive in May. We're excited about that. The more the merrier. Jeff arrived Tuesday evening, just behind the storms that swept through Utah and northern AZ.

We did a pit cook on Wednesday. We also helped move grandparents into an assisted living home while Grandma's ankle heals. The "boys" were great about moving furniture and other essentials. I got to Christmas shop and wrap.


Katie, Michael, Jacob and Rachel arrived Wednesday evening. The luminarios were lit, the outside lights were on and the pile under the tree was growing. We had EVERYONE home for about 20 hours. It was a wonderful, noisy houseful.

Stockings were hung. Christmas jammies were opened. More presents were wrapped. Lots of Mario Cart and computer games.


Christmas morning began about 7pm as small voices began to sound. Stockings first. What treasures for little ones. Then the tree and the ocean of presents under it. We started out slow, watching each present being opened. That gradually changed. Uncle Matt was kind enough to find presents for the grandchildren. The adults were content to watch the children open their presents. They got to their gifts after the children were through and settled playing. One of the simplest gifts that was the most appreciated was Rachel's box of kleenex. Her face was sheer joy as she got to pull out the tissues and no one stopped her.



We took family photos this year, with the help of Matt's tripod and the timer on Mom's camera. Not too bad.


Here's the grandchildren. Won't be six for long with Katie's baby due in March and Janessa's in May.


Kristy and Peter took their small ones off to Idaho for Will's wedding Christmas afternoon. We celebrated Craig's 30th birthday on Friday with a steak fry. Lots of steak and potato cake. Lots of steak sandwiches for the next week. One very intense Uno session. Great fun.


Craig and family left Saturday. Michael flew back to Ohio on Sunday. Jeff stayed until Tuesday. He and Matt worked on projects for Dad, one of which was setting up a board for Dad's train set. Dad and Jacob spent most of Tuesday and Wednesday playing with the trains and eating oranges. We did build gingerbread houses with Jacob and Rachel. Katie and kids left Wednesday evening and we were suddenly back to just four of us. Wow!


It was a wonderful time. It was long anticipated and I believe the reality lived up to the expectations. Everyone was willing to share bedrooms, bathrooms, car seats, and vehicles. We are very blessed and grateful for family. My only regret is that we can't do this more often. Every two or three years seems too long to wait.

Merry Christmas

Happy New Year!