Merry Christmas!

I'll post more later this week, but wanted to get some pictures up and wish everyone the joy of the season!

Our decorating this year was. . . makeshift. But we had fun!! There really wasn't room for a tree with all the folks staying here, so. . . here it is (lovely frosted ornaments courtesy of Susan!)
The best laid plans of mice & men. . . some snags in the visiting, but we rolled with it. Dad & Jackie did not end up coming--they both got really sick and stayed in Arizona to recover. Happily they are on the mend. As for the rest of the crew, April arrived on Friday night. . . Erik, Andy & Noelle all arrived around midday on Saturday.April & Ben have been in London working for the past month, so flew here before returning to Oklahoma. They say the jet lag wasn't bad. . . Mom had some trouble getting out here; her flight was canceled due to a BLIZZARD in Green Bay! So she spent the night and headed out on a new flight the following day. Whew! Unfortunately Erik had to head back to Bakersfield to work before she arrived, but we'll all get together next weekend before people start flying out.Trying out Ben's Xbox 360 . . . Ben with his favorite present--Wisconsin cheese!! :-DMom found this book for Ben Coffin . . . Christmas day went something like this:
Noelle giggles the entire household awake (except mom) at 5am, then promptly lays down to go back to sleep. . . we watch The Grinch (old animated version) and make breakfast. . . Mom gets up and we eat breakfast. . . open gifts, talk to Susie and to dad. . . play some card (and video) games. . . go for a short hike while the turkey cooks. . . dinner. . . Andy & Noelle head out. . . everyone wants a nap. . . play some cards (video if your name is Ben). . . eat leftovers. . .

Christmas dinner
I don't even feel like this is a coherent post, but I'm putting it up and going to bed.

I wish you all the peace and joy that Christmas is!!
Love you,
cmr