Christmas and the Giving of Hats

The clan gathered on the 23rd. We missed Dean, Vicki and the girls but between the post office and everyone's schedule it was not to be. Of course, we missed them as well as John and Monika. We got to visit John on Webcam...what a hoot. Just about everyone sat down to chat with him. We could see him...he could see us. We kept him up past midnight (his time) but it was so great. It was good to see his smiles, laughs and immediate response to images that came across the ocean to his living room from Ohio.

In our family, Hats signify the season. This year they arrived from Sweden for each of the menfolk. Who'd of thought that moose fashion (i.e. underwear) would bring out the smiles. John delivered personally in his flat stanley sort of way. The hat tradition arose from the fact that Mom always gave the menfolk underwear at Christmas and someone finally decided it could be a fun holiday gift afterall and demonstrated by doning them on his head. The custom has continued for years now. Of course, women are much less likely to wear underwear on their heads....

Dwight and Julie were our gracious hosts once again. Thanks so much!!!

Jamie recently announced her engagement to Alex. They seem to be well suited for each other. No date yet. The plan is for them to both finish school first... Congratulations!!!









Margaret



As usual, there was a large group. Lot's of talking, visiting, and eating.

Julie and Jane

Dave

Annie - has completed her student teaching and expects to graduate this summer. Annie was inspired to lead a happy birthday song to all in the family who have a December birthday. There are many: Sam, Vicki, Kyle, Robin, Jay, Annie, Dean. We included Brooke who is a new years day babe.










Dan is looking really good. It was wonderful to see him.

Christine...the other good Aunt.

Ben turns 21 in February...Look OUT.

Sydney is such a beautiful young woman.

Molly

A nice group that exemplifies the afternoon. Robin, Laurie, and Julie.

Like or not, these are the patriarchs...Dwight and Dave.

Christopher and Scott

Stacy...I mean Kathleen was with us. It is fun to see her in the role of a good mommy even though I still think of her as a teenager.

Long distance cousins: Kai and Grace make great playmates. They were joined at the hip most of the day. Last year, Jake, and Kenady made it a foursome.

Sara gave me one nice photo. Actually, she did it for her mom.

This is what I usually get from Sara.

Jay and Michelle

I've always been proud of Chris. Here he is after a good day (profitable) playing the big boys at a Texas Holdem playing for peanuts with the family. Corrupting them all (yes I'm Beth's daughter). Kyle, Scott, Chris, and Ben.

A great day was had by all. I am happy to have such a great family!