Christmas 2012

 So, as always, there was lots of food at our Christmas festivities

this year. This was meal one at Mom and Dad's 

when big sis and her fam came for an early celebration. 

 Everyone was there, including all 8 +1 grandkids who,

 as is tradition, put on their new pjs from Gram and Gramps after dinner.

We enjoyed our gift exchange and the games played.

So glad that everyone was able to be here and to travel both ways safely.

 After the festivities above, we went to our besties place 

for a birthday celebration for Coach.

Lobster- a favorite of some of the older folk and 

a new food opportunity for the younger generation.

 Not sure why this photo looks like this, but I like it. 

 Christmas morning at home.

Santa brought H a guitar so she can learn to play another instrument. 

She has friends that play well and Santa thought she would enjoy playing along!

 Although C wanted a full face helmet and not the winter helmet he got, he graciously agreed to go with mom and Dad to choose what he wants. Santa can't always get everything right!

 M has wanted the orange Kitchen Aide mixer in Tangerine. Santa decided that the mixer would be a better gift for a little later on when she has a place of her own. I think she agrees as she has been blending away today making smoothies for the fam!

 One of my favorite moments today was watching my Dad after he opened his Canadian Geographic magazine. He was mesmerized by the articles about polar bears inside and sat and read as everything was going on around him!

 Then Papa and M read this awesome Safari book with moving animals inside.

The rest of us were happy to be inside where it was warm and enjoying our time together. Did I mention it was -35˚ C outside this morning?! So grateful for a warm house and loving family.

 After most of our gifts were opened we had the Elders 

from our ward over so they could Skype their families.

Of course we had a few practical gifts for them to open

 (new towel, socks, scarf, cereal, and as you can see toilet paper.)

It looks like they approved!

 For dinner tonight we had my brother over as well. We made a 20 pound turkey! 

Thankfully, my dad carved it.

We had a delicious meal and then played Double Series.

(I really need to get something up on those bare walls!)

M is house sitting and these 3 went to play ping pong for a while tonight.

Check out those pants! and the mangos? Well, they were in H's stocking and were a hit!

We were blessed again this year and are thankful for these holidays that we can spend time with our family and friends, relax and take a few naps, catch up on some projects and get organized for the new year.