It Was a Merry Christmas

Yes, indeed. Santa came and brought gifts for all. The tree was made even more festive with all the wrapped prizes waiting to bring oooo's and ahhhhh's from their intended recipients. I love Christmas morning. We of course must have breakfast waffles, eggs and hot chocolate to begin the days culinary treats.




As soon as breakfast was cleared away, dinner prep began. We all decided to try a new tradition this year and opted for a Christmas Potluck. The idea was to make one of your favorite dishes to bring. We didn't do any desserts this year, but will add that in for next year. I missed the pies and such after dinner. Jade was making Angel Hair Pasta with a choice of Marinara or Alfredo Sauces. Grumpy and I were making Nana's Green Chile. Jade and I were setting a Christmas table which I neglected to get a really good shot of before we all descended on it, but it was really beautiful. Before we sat down to dinner, we had a gift opening and it was nice to see the thoughtful gifts everyone gave and received. I didn't get all of Grumpy's and mine opened until the next day because I'm always a little bit of an airhead at Christmas.



It's always a pleasure when Frances, John and Stephanie can join us for the holidays. They were gracious guests and did all the hand washing that accompanies china and silver. Thanks for coming and a big thanks for the help in the kitchen.



Tawna brought Chicken Paloma as her favorite this year and Summer and Jamie came with her famous layered mashed potato, chicken, and dressing casserole. Both were excellent. We all decided that next year we will be stocked with zip lock take alongs so everyone can take a portion of the favorites feast home with them.

We set the round bar in the dining room with Christmas dishes and goblets for the children so they could practice their lady and gentleman manners. They did very well.





After dinner it was nice that people were able to linger and visit. It was very relaxing and I loved that everyone could just get comfortable and stay awhile. The kids played hard and eventually Chance came looking for his Mom. He sat still for five minutes and just fell asleep sitting up. So cute.



Next thing I know, Jade looks like she is sleeping. Tawna and I know what a good actress she is, so we began talking about Jade's post of Tawna's Queen of Tar Tar, and after a few minutes our suspicions were confirmed. She wasn't really sleeping! She looks really convincing though.



Papa got to spend some time at Tracy's for breakfast before Colby and Malea had to leave for Utah and then again later in the day for a nice ham dinner. Bob, Syd, Devlyn and Tanner came by later in the evening to say hello and a little gift exchange. Papa had purchased Movie passes for all his grandkids this year and I think they all really enjoyed that. Everyone loves to go to the movies.

Grumpy and I received many nice things year, and we really appreciate the thoughtfulness of our gifts. Jacque and Dawson gave us a printed copy of my blog, post, by post since I started it in January this year. I can't tell you how much I appreciate that. It was something I always intended to do, but now it is done for me and it is so fun to look through the pages and relive the things we did. Thanks so much for that and to everyone for the wonderful things we received. Many good memories were made this year, new traditions begun and old ones kept going. This was a good Christmas.