Has been going on here since the 18th...and will extend through Monday. This year there really is 12 Days of Christmas! Beginning with Lennon's arrival from college...and ending over a salami, cheese and cracker tray and sharing final gifts with Loretta and I.
And I think Tucker is about "Ho-Ho-Ho'ed" out. Pretty exhausted myself! (...pretty sure this kitty shot is next year's Christmas card though...)
Had a lovely visit with Lennon...even visiting some of the old haunts (...like this diner...) where Bill and I used to take them all out when they were little.
And loving having all three boys together again...with this year clearly being the year of The VanDyke :)
Christmas Eve spent with James and Nicole and all the Grands...and Brittany and the newest Great-Grand!
All in all there were about 18 people there and nearly half of them were shorter than 4 feet tall. Nicole made a feast! Baked ham...Green Bean Casserole...Baked Macaroni and Cheese..Rolls...and cookies she had made with the kids.
And Santa Came.
You have to hand it to these two (James and Nicole) who went from basically being literally homeless last Christmas to having a good career...nice home...being with all the kids...and of course, Aiden's arrival and getting Emma back. All in less than 12 months. I'm very proud of all they have accomplished!
The kids had an amazing Christmas.
And what do you get for a Mom and Dad who have 5 children between them?
Duct Tape?
Close...His and Her's Sippy Cups
Last night Preston,Brenden and Donna came here for a bit of holiday with me.
And Preston and I built his Foosball Stadium together...truth be told it would have taken less time to build an actual soccer stadium, I think. No wonder they don't assemble these things in the factory! And Donna and Brenden had fun playing with his Wheelie-Popping car.
But we managed to get it built! And Donna made me the best Grandma Rose gift!
(inside) filled with page after page of
photographs of all my grandchildren!
So...Chris and Tina over tomorrow for Biscuits and Gravy...and now that "the boys" (Benny and Neville: their rat terriers) are home it appears I have grand-puppies as well!
and Loretta over on Monday and that is that...Christmas is officially over.
My table is now filled with their gifts...chocolates, baskets, bubble bath and bath items, cocoas and Elsa's Story Cookies, candles and perfume. I may retreat to the bath with the goodies and hide there!
~laughing~
But the BEST gift of all was being able to be with EVERYONE this year for Christmas!
Christmas 2014
