Christmas Day in Pictures

Today the family was gathering at Tanya's house for the Christmas get-together; we were a little concerned because of the snow last night, but it only was a couple of inches, and in Colorado the intensity of the sun added to the mag chloride they put on the streets takes care of the snow very quickly.

We went early to help with some of the preparation, so while Bill, Tanya and Paul were working in the kitchen, I was playing the new game with Joey and Carly:

Bill and Tanya provided the meat and beverages, while the rest of us furnished all the side dishes.  Bill got busy carving the ham (he took his right arm out of the sling for a few minutes to do this).

Joey and Carly enjoyed playing with 8-month old Avery:



One of the benefits of being the Grammy, is that I could sit in the living room and relax while everybody else was in the kitchen getting the food ready.  I found myself wondering if the meat was done, and if the potatoes were ready and everything was on the table, but then I remember that I'm no longer in charge and I didn't have to worry about a thing!



With so many aunts and uncles, there were lots and lots of presents to open:

My two beautiful girls, Carly and Tanya:



Joey and his Kindle Fire;  he's only six years old, but he sure knows his way around any electronics:

He is such a relaxed, happy kid.  I get really emotional when I think of what his and Carly's lives would be like if they had never found their forever family.

Joey loves maps, so I found this Discovery Kids flannel map set; it has labels for all the states, rivers, countries, etc.  He loved it!



At one point, Joey's stack of presents was as tall as he is:

Carly received a new doll named Julie from Mom and Dad:

Aunt Sharlene gave Carly a pretty dress with a matching dress for Julie:

I gave Carly a pretty trunk full of outfits I had sewed for Julie:

This is beautiful granddaughter Heather and her Mom Janette:

Granddaughter Renee with Avery (8 months) and Rachel (3 1/2):  Aren't they all pretty girls?

Avery and her daddy Adam:

Joey and Aunt Cathy busy with the Kindle:

Aunt Janette and a giggling Carly:

It was a wonderful day.  Several people didn't get into any pictures today:  Sharlene, Dale, Cindy, Darold, Scott, Jerry and Paul aren't in any pictures, but they were all part of the celebration.

It was hard to say good-bye, especially to Cathy who was flying back to Nashville early tomorrow morning; Darold is staying a few more days.  We sure do miss her and Darold, but Paul and I will be going to visit them in spring.

And so - Christmas is over for another year, but it's been a wonderful time of family togetherness.  We are so blessed that when we get together, we all have a good time.