Christmas 09

I've added a slideshow of my photos. I'll add some from other cameras as I get them. I know they're better than mine.
It was wonderful to have so many of us together again this Christmas. We missed Charles, Dawn, and Brent, who spent Christmas together in Tucson.
At our house Great Grandpa was represented by the hospice crocheted angel hanging high on our tree. Today when we were all at Great Grandma's, digging in to the ham, roast, Elizabeth's salmon and scallops, Carolyn's shrimp, potatoes and gravy, creamed limas, sweet potatoes..., I suddenly had such a vivid memory of Dad's smile and his joking manner. I was remembering the Johnny of a couple of decades ago, cheerful and welcoming. I think he approved of dinner today. I think he was "there" as he hadn't fully been able to be for years.
Today the little ones--and their dads--wore themselves out sledding in the morning and then again in the afternoon. Beth and Elijah got in on some afternoon snow fun, also, and John Wayne got to use his cross country skis. What a beautiful snow it was, powdery and glittering, falling for 24 hours or more. Of course there was lots of playing with new toys and lots of snacking. Early bedtimes tonight!
I've been opening gifts for three days and love every gift, each thoughtfully chosen.
Dawn and Charles gave some great gift cards!! And as my secret Santa they gave me a crown photo frame and computer gizmos that will help me move data and photos between computers and camera to computers. Even the wrapping paper had crowns! And although they weren't Christmas presents, the three tiaras for the Princess Project were an awesome gift!!!!!!!!!! Their hand made soap and the prickly pear jelly were much appreciated by everyone.
Elizabeth gave me an awesome knitting tote from the Crazy Girl Yarn Shop!! Yea!! If you haven't been to one of their two locations in Iowa you've missed out!
George and Beth gave me a digital photo frame that I'm going to sit and stare at a lot. How can I help that with such cute people to look at!!!!!!!! Knit one, purl two, look at photo!!
John J gave me something from Hobby Lobby that I've been wanting for quite awhile. How did he know?
John got me warm sheepskin slippers and leather chore gloves. No more frozen fingers from wet hands when I take care of the animals.
As always, the socks at Great Grandma's were hung with care--and forethought. Highlights were the dresser scarves of Swedish weaving that Judy did for all the ladies. Cindi made each of us a different set of jewelry- necklaces with earrings or bracelets, each unique and in natural stones and gemstones. Hmm!! There were also some interesting necklaces made with dried and painted bread beads that Great Grandma stuck in each.
I was able to finish some Pilates socks for Elizabeth, two silk bow ties for George, a scarf for Beth, pieced mats for Charles and Dawn. And I helped Judy with the quilts for JT and Gabe--Thomas the Train for JT and firetrucks for Gabe. Nathan had his earlier this year and selected all the fabrics himself! So, I did finish a few things for gifts. And of course I did a lot of scarves before Christmas and gave them away earlier. Maybe if I start in June this next year.......
I do want to finish the bunny and alpaca mitts I started for myself. And maybe do another pair of socks.