What a nice couple of days! It gives me a glow inside to think of them.
On the 24th, Kathy, John and I went down the hill to do last minute Christmas gift shopping. We dreaded down-town Berkeley with the last-minute shoppers, but it didn't turn out to be that bad at all.
We bought almost all of the kids' gifts at the nice bookstore which has moved in where Black Oak books used to be. (Our family decided a few years ago to buy gifts for the children, and just stocking stuffers for the adults.) I found it very helpful to have Kathy's suggestions for some of the kids' book choices.
Christmas Eve was quiet and pleasant, just John, Kathy, Mom, Sandy and I at the house. Sandy brought up the boxes of Christmas stockings and hats Kathy added the name of Ben's new baby to one of the stockings, applique-ing a patch over the name of someone's ex-someone and embroidering on the patch. We wrapped the books we had bought.
Christmas morning, the rest of the family started to arrive around tennish.
Rebecca's husband Alex cooked omelets for everyone. There were sweet rolls and chocolate muffins on the table.
Rebecca and Alex also brought the ingredients for mimosas. There were many comments that this should be a new family tradition!
After that, present opening, food preparation, and dinner, which we set up buffet-style. Nancy had coordinated the food plan on-line, and everything was delicious.
Here is a photo of Mom holding Ben's new baby, with Melissa, Ben's wife, looking on. Following that, many more photos. Merry Christmas and/or Happy Holidays to all!
Heather and Annabelle looking at the new baby, and opening presents:
Patrick's son Dylan and Annabelle playing with a new toy:
Melissa,Sarah with the baby, and Ben looking at directions for the car seat in rocker frame from Nancy and Wendell:
John, Mom, and Madelyn:
Joseph and Greg:
Rebecca's boys and Ben putting together a toy:
Nancy helping me with a tech issue:
Patrick holding his youngest, Connor:
Pat's wife, Katharine, also holding Connor:
Wendell, also holding Connor:
Well, I always seem to miss getting a photo of at least one person! this time I've missed Rebecca! Glad I got a good photo of her on the "Hello Dear Friends and Family" blog, about the tree-trimming party. The link for that is:
http://nonfbfamily.blogspot.com
I am so thankful for such a wonderful family!
Love, Lennie
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