Christmas at Our House
There are lots of photos, partly because it was a full day, and partly for the family members who could not be here.
There were thirty-six people here for supper, and as far as I can tell, there were thirty-three missing. Among those who were unable to attend: fifteen from Minnesota, five who live in Florida, seven Maine residents, and six locals who had other plans.
While preparing food, I enjoyed watching a few sparrows taking advantage of the birdbath. A day or two ago, it was ice, but Christmas weather was in the 50’s.
Jordan was the first person to arrive. He wanted to compare his first set of antlers with grandpa’s first set of antlers. Cerwin shot his eleven-point when he was fifteen (fifty-two years ago).
Jordan’s dad measured the width and length of the tines, and concluded that grandpa’s has a higher Boone and Crockett score – due to more points (eleven points compared to eight, and longer tines).
To keep our buffet line organized, the people enter the kitchen through our laundry and bedroom (notice Mary Jane in red sweater entering the laundry) and come back into the garage through the kitchen door.
The food table in the kitchen. Everyone brings food.
The snack and dessert items were on the kitchen counter.
The most unusual food of the day – chocolate covered bacon – prepared by our daughter-in-law Chris.
Eating
From the garage door – looking toward the back room.
From the back room looking toward the garage door.
The back room. We set up three sets of tables – twelve people per table.
Jana presented us with Christmas music while we were enjoying dessert.
The first gift exchange was for the young children. We played Now-You-Have-It-Now-You-Don’t with open gifts that we provide. They each got three numbers. Jared (assisted by Abigail) and Jesse got special treatment because they are the preschoolers. Jared’s three numbers were called early…
and Jesse received only one number – and it was called first. His choice – Pringles.
Then it was time to play the same game with the adults. For this game, everyone who wants to participate brings a wrapped $7-$10 gift and marks it “man”, “woman”, or “anyone.”
Notice Diana and Jana (both in turquoise) passing out the numbers.
Jana, Diana, Abigail, and Jeff
Everyone stashed their packages at their feet – until all three of their numbers were called, then the chosen package was hidden behind their chair, or held on their lap.
Jenna called the numbers. There were seventy-five numbers for the twenty-five people who participated.
One of my favorite pictures and memories of the day was watching Ian steal packages from people – at the request of the person whose number had been called. He loved that job!
Opening the presents: Dorretta, Jakey, Crystal, Gary.
Gary, Pat, Elvin
Gary, Pat, Elvin, Nathan
Nathan
Ooops!
Mel
Josh, Jordan, Cerwin
Rod and Velda
Velda and Juanita (the funny thing about this gift was that Velda bought it for Juanita to give – and wanted it for herself.)
Juanita had some problems getting here from Michigan (she is a daughter of Cerwin’s sister, Doris, from Minnesota). Her car broke down close to the Ohio/Pennsylvania border late last night, so Donald and Mel went out to pick her up and tow the car to this area.
One of her uncles from her dad’sfamily will work on the car.
Cerwin’s mother, Mary Jane (Jeff & Chris’ adopted mother), and Abigail
Abigail (the only representative from our Maine family) and Jeff
Jeff and Chris
Chris opening her chosen package.
Chris, Kristen, and Jared
Jere and Jenna
Jenna opening her present, and Jana waiting to open my present while I took pictures.
Shtefan, Donald, and Jeremy
Brothers and sister concert – Elvin, Cerwin, and Velda
While cleaning up in the kitchen, I heard some new voices, and came out to see that Mother and Juanita had joined them.
Cerwin, Velda, Juanita (filled in for her mother), and Elvin. Crystal and Jakey helped choose requested songs. They sang familiar songs at first, but later needed the words.
It was a wonderful way to close the day.
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