Christmas 2008

On Christmas Eve the family, except for the Hastings who were in Hawaii, gathered for dinner, a reenactment of the nativity, a talent show, and story time with Grammy. It was all most enjoyable. By the end of the evening the youngsters were very excited for Santa's visit. After the cousins had gone home to their beds, Grammy, according to longstanding tradition, read the Story of Christmas and the Polar Express to Finn, Harry, et al. As the reading wound down, we all heard the distinct sound of sleigh bells -- really! (Possibly bottles clinking to the vibration of the fridge -- unplanned and very convincing whatever it was.) That was enough to send everyone scurrying for bed.

Christmas day, Maren had to wake the boys. I had time to shower, shave, dress, and shovel the snow before opening presents. I was excited for Kris to open her surprise: a beautiful custom-made pendant of jet. She loved it, but the coup de grace was the present from the kids: a book of photos and remembrances prepared by Katy with everyone's contribution. Kris couldn't contain her tears. Later in the morning, we proceeded up to the Ringers for their traditional Christmas brunch, walking in the beautiful freshly-fallen snow. We spent the rest of the day visiting with family, eating, relaxing, and then in the evening, playing games. It was a splendid day!

CHRISTMAS EVE

The Ensigns

The Youngs

Ollie, Katy, and Grammy

The rest of the Taylors

Prime rib, horseradish sauce, stuffing, potatoes, gravy,
rotkohl, brussel sprouts, cranberry salad, and Kris's rolls

Chrismas carrot pudding with lemon or
butter sauce for dessert

The navity, planned, costumed, and well-rehearsed
by Meagan, was seriously great

The talent show included a Hawaiian version of the
Twelve Days of Christmas

Story time with Grammy

Grammy reads The Polar Express to the boys before bed

CHRISTMAS DAY

The little guys unstuff their stockings

Kris's jet pendant (you can see the true scale
in the next photo, on Kris)

Plenty of good stuff to go around

Jeff and Amy on Christmas morning

Katy, Tom, and Zoe at the Ringers

Christmas night filled with games of Pit and Apples to Apples

The mad round of visiting, shopping, eating, and games goes on unabated. It appears there will be more even tonight. Anna, Rob, and all the little Hastings, we miss you.

The lead-up to Christmas is in the post below -- keep reading.

OXO

D.