*Round One*

We drove home on Saturday to celebrate Christmas with my side of the family.  We were missing my daughter's family and a nephew, but everyone else made it and we had a great time.

 

This picture was a last minute activity as we said goodbye.

 

 

I had purchased these Santa hats for .25 cents each, way after Christmas a couple years ago, from Dollar General.  I had put them aside and had forgotten them until I ran across them again this year.  I grabbed the bag and took it with me to the party.

 

We were saying goodbye, when my sister in law announced that we hadn't even take family pictures yet. (she's the one pulling up the Santa hats in the back row) My brother (front right) set his camera to automatic timer mode, put in on the mantle, and this is what we got!  We have all enjoyed this picture. (I'm the one with the overall Santa boy in my lap.)

 

Round two is tonight at our house.  Our son and his family will come over to celebrate.  (daughter is in TN and won't make it home this year) I'm cooking chicken and pastry (dumplings), cabbage, sweet potato casserole, deviled eggs and rolls.  We're looking forward to watching the little kids tear into their gifts tonight.

 

 



 

We had an unseasonably warm day in NC and the cousins were able to play outside.  This was the first time these brothers were able to really play with and get to know sweet Matti (my brother's granddaughter).  What fun!

 

Merry Christmas!!

 

 

 

 

 

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all! I am sure we are all knee deep (or deeper) in holiday preparations this week. 

 

I didn't put up a Christmas tree this year.  (Last year was a disaster with the dogs... you know, dogs see a tree, they pee on it) This picture was taken at the boys' home.  They are excited and ready for Christmas to get here!!

I did bring out the nativity and I did decorate the mantel.  And yes, I hung the same ole wreath on the front door.  (it looks so sad and tired.  I think this will be its last year) I've had this nativity for almost 30 years. It was a gift from my mother in law the first year that we were married.  This table is very low in height and Chandler's little 17 month old hands love to play with the animals! I hope the animals  can survive this year without being broken.  (next year there will be a 8 month old baby sister to worry about!!! yay!!)

These two boys have stolen Grandma's heart and I  am looking forward to a wonderful Christmas with them.  I (like all of you grandmothers) cannot even describe the love I have for them.  Isn't it amazing how grandchildren come along in our lives when we need them most? 

From our house to yours.... Merry Christmas!