Then my Dads' company party the next Tuesday followed a few hours later by his friends and neighbors, this was my "project" at his house and he doesn't live next door. I had lots of help from neighbors and friends and it turned out to be great fun.
The Ernie's Staff
Next event everyone came over for a "Dad" Christmas at our place the weekend before Christmas. A tradition so that Dad can leave for his other home in Puerto Vallarta and have a Christmas down there. This is the Christmas where Aaron and his family were at. My favorite moment (other than opening a Marc Jacobs wallet with a Nordstrom gift card in it....$$$$$) was when Matthew opened a book and got up and walked over to Opa to show him all about this future reading they would have. I went to bed thinking how lucky we were to have such a great family, no drama just love.
Three Generations
Matthew at the head of the table
Matthew loves Oma's Tree
The Nephews really are having a good time
The boys
Four Generations
The next day Sunday, we went over to my Mom's house for a "Mom" Christmas. My Uncle Jeff and his family all came up from Oregon for that one. Mom made a great Salmon dinner and we had a great time getting to know Brandon's fiance and trying to remember the difference between Oregon State & University of Oregon, I still can't get that one straight.
The new Skipper
Little Neuman
Tuesday before Christmas was "Aunt Kathy" day. A tradition we have had for many years. Thomas, Trey, JayDe and I get to have an entire day together. It is all about the Supermall with the carousel (they still ride it for me), shopping for parents, shopping for them, a rock wall climb and a good movie. This year the movie was "The Blind Side" and all 4 of us loved it!
Christmas Eve started out at Spanky's sister Sophie's house for a brunch. Love Norm & Linda. Our tradition with them used to be a few days in Seattle during the holidays, don't know how we got away from doing that, but we still have a "for sure" get together before Christmas with them.
Christmas Eve is my Mom's birthday so we are always with her at brother Tony's. Mom has her 3 kids there with her every year. So having a Christmas Eve birthday is not always a bad thing.
Her birthday "cake" which was a real task getting this year, Pecan pie was finally found at Marie Callenders
Brother Don's Family
Mom and her three kiddies
Yummm, I can't do shellfish and this was torture
After a tradition of Salmon for dinner (my mom's favorite) and my sister- n-law Lisa's specialty my mom opens presents...we do dishes then off to the living room for our Christmas. Gary and I always stay at Tony's for the night and then Santa comes in the morning. I love Santa and even though the boys are teenagers I still remember when this was the most exciting morning in their lives.
Thomas' new Kindle
Tony loves the new Skipper Dog
Aunt Kathy loves her Family
Christmas day we leave Tony's for Ken & Becki's, another tradition for a little gift exchange...who can give the best ornament and best "experience" gift, the guys exchange calenders (you don't want to know of what) and then we are off for Gary's sisters place, another tradition.
Becki out did me this year, this hangs in the center of my chandelier. This picture does not do this ornament justice
This year all his sisters and brother were there. As soon as we get there it is the "girls" tradition to go get a Starbucks. Devin got a new car for her 16th birthday and we all piled into the very spacious Escalade.
The house was full of kids, dogs and the best prime rib ever. Judy and Darren (Gary's nephew) are really good at that and everybody who can come does. The house is packed with people who drop by just to smell it even if they can't stay.
A couple of days later for Mariella's 9th birthday Gary's family got together at our home for one last time. With 2 new babies to hold and catching up for the year with everyone we haven't seen the day went very fast. Then they were off. Karla and family to Alaska, Mary to Hawaii, Antoniette to New York City and Bill, Linda and Debbie to Montana. What a thing Christmas is...bringing the family in from all parts of the country for a visit.
Mariella has her "Flat Daddy" with her all the time
The whole gang
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