Christmas Eve

Christmas was a little different this year. Most family members had other plans. Rick and Sandy came with Tarzan. Brian and his children, Alex, Justin and Luke came. Kari was sick, so she stayed at home. (Thank you for not sharing that stomach bug!) We had our traditional Prime Rib (oh it was YUMMY this year), Cheesy Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole, Hawaiian Rolls, Grandma Ollie's Apricot Delight Jello Salad, Cocktail Shrimp, Green Salad and IBC Rootbeer. We were so stuffed that we had to put off the various pies for a while.

After dinner, Grandpa Bill and Grandma Sally came to visit bringing gifts for the youngest ones. Here is the tribe...rather small this year!

Did you see all those presents? Above is Rick and Chris enjoying a computer game.

Here is Wayne trying to get up from the table after eating such a good meal!

Brian was found relaxing playing the XBOX! Since there were so few of us, it was a very relaxing evening.

Tiffany and Justin hanging out.

Luke, Ryan and Jessica.

Alex opening her beautiful jewelry box.

Luke, opening his fire truck. Actually, this is AFTER he had opened it. Luke loves fire trucks...when he opened his present, he just SQUEALED with delight. He ran over to Grandpa and hugged him and thanked him over and over again. It was fun to watch.

Justin got a Nerf Gun. He only lost a couple of his "bullets" before he left.

Tiffany was chosen to open the present to all the Porter children.

It is the Sonic the Hedgehog Game for their new XBOX 360 with Kinect...watch for a future blog concerning this game!

What happy children!

It was a fun Christmas Eve. I have to say that we keenly felt Mom's absence. I'm sure she would have wanted us to celebrate and enjoy each others company...just like we did! Thanks to Rick, Sandy, Brian and his children for helping me to feel loved and cared for!