Christmas Day 2019

December 25, 2019

We had a lovely, relaxing Christmas Day.  This is our family year for all to be together on New Years Eve so we didn't have the big family day on Christmas.  Considering that we have several family members who are currently 'down for the count', this was a very good thing.  Those who needed to stay in bed, did.  And the rest of us enjoyed a peaceful day with crazy warm temperatures to boot!

Marvin isn't feeling good right now - probably another bile duct episode.  :(  So Jonathan is once again on full time ranch duty.  When he came in from feeding we gave him his Christmas gifts.  I think he really liked his new phone, especially.  He never asked for anything, but we knew his phone was old and not always working well so decided to replace it.

Later in the afternoon the fellas took advantage of the beautiful weather and did some target practice out in the back 40.  James had even driven his old Halloween pumpkins all the way up here to Missouri to use as targets.  :D  We did realize, though, that we should not call this activity "cousin shooting".  Doesn't really convey the accurate meaning of what they are doing.  ha!!

James, Jackson, and Jonathan target shooting in the back 40.

You can see one of James' pumpkins in this photo  :) 

We were treated to the most magnificent sunset on Christmas evening.  Just stunningly beautiful!  A real gift.   (Thanks to Hannah for these photos!)

Then many of us gathered back at Julie's house in the evening for leftover soup from Christmas Eve.  Great evening and so relaxing.

Laura and Hannah

Kerry, Jonathan, Brianna, Jackson, Candace, Julie, Rojina, James, Daddy, Mama, Susanna, Hannah 

This photo makes me laugh!  Mama and Hannah were sitting in a chair watching as Julie, Candace and I tried to figure out the plans for the week ahead.  Yes, we all have basic spreadsheets to keep track of the people, the places, and the meal plans over the holidays.  :)  Our first problem this particular evening was to determine what day was what!  ha!  (brains slow down on Christmas, I think)  :D   Anyway, we got it all figured out!  And amused Hannah and Mama in the process.  :)

There they are getting a chuckle!!  :) 

Visiting time after dinner 

Christmas Eve

December 24, 2019

Our tradition is to gather at Julie's house on Christmas Eve for a soup supper.  In the past we have done this after all the church services people attend.  This year we tried something different and all really liked it.  We gathered before the services.  That meant we got together for 'supper' at 3:30 in the afternoon!  But, it worked really well because it fortified us to then attend 2 church services and not get back home until about 8:30 at night.  (at which point several of us had 'second supper' and another bowl of soup!)  :)

At church service #1 - we filled two pews at the Methodist Church.  Here is one pew...

Anna, Matthew, Brenda, Travis, Melina, Betty, Matt, Laura

And here is the other pew (with a peek back at the first one!)

Daddy, Mama, Jonathan, James, Rojina, Julie, Kerry, Candace, Hannah, Susanna

Hannah read one of the selections for the service.

Laura helped with Holy Communion.

this is so special to me... the lighting of the candles

'Silent Night'

Sisters - after church - Susanna and Hannah

Our whole crew (that was there that night)
James, Rojina, Julie, Jonathan, Travis, Matthew, Brenda, Matt, Kerry, Candace
Betty, Laura, Melina, Anna, Hannah, Susanna
Mama and Daddy 

James and Rojina - so glad to have them home for the holidays!

Then it was on to the next church service for many of us.  At the Presbyterian Church across the street.  (this is Julie and the M family's home church)

Melina, Hannah, Candace, Travis, Matthew, Matt

They sang the special music for the Offertory.

another candle lighting...  :)

Our whole crew after this service
Julie, Candace, Hannah, Melina, Travis, Matthew, Brenda, Matt (ducking to show behind them...)
Betty M., Mama, James, Rojina 

Betty M and Mama 

James and Rojina

This was lovely.  Our friend, Becky, told me that her Mom was going to be at the service and so we were able to introduce our Moms.  They share a Wyoming connection.  Becky's Mom grew up in the same region of Wyoming as my Mama.  It was so fun to see them get to visit a bit and share their love of Wyoming.

Jackson and Brianna were able to join us for the 2nd round of soup after church services.

Jackson and Brianna 

James

cuties!

Hannah in her pretty apron

Family Caroling Night

Monday, December 23, 2019

This was the kickoff of our holiday activities as a family.  We went caroling in town.  The weather is lovely right now!  No ice or snow to deal with and kind of crazy warm temperatures.  While I always enjoy a white Christmas, I am okay with milder weather this year.  Makes doing things like caroling much easier!  :D

We visited The Pines and St. Andrews and enjoyed singing for lots of folks.  We ended the evening with a special stop at a dear friends house.  Then it was back to Julie's house for tacos.  Pretty great way to spend an evening.

Several folks were wearing cute Christmas hats.  Zac and I realized pretty quickly that we would be too hot to wear a Christmas hat.  Hannah (the cute little elf) put some reindeer ears on Zac, which (very briefly) made a sad Zac.  :D  But she fixed that right away and turned his frown upside down!!! :D  (these two are adorable!!)

Too cute  :) 

I had never been in the new Pines facility.  It is very nice.

We were able to gather up for a group photo at St. Andrews.

Brenda, Julie, Travis, Melina, Matt, Hannah, Zac, Matthew, Anna,
James, Rojina, Scott, Rejeena, Anisha, Anne, Susanna, Candace

Laura, Julie, Travis, Melina, Matt, Hannah, Zac, Matthew, Anna,
James, Rojina, Scott, Rejeena, Anisha, Anne, Susanna, Candace

Matt's Mom, Betty  :) 

"Your chariot awaits"  :D 

Our final stop was at dear Betty's J.'s house.

Back at Julie's house... for a taco bar dinner.  And THIS was exciting!!  Melina's boyfriend, from Australia, flew to the states to surprise her for Christmas!!  He is here visiting for a couple of weeks and this was the night we all got to meet him!  World, meet Travis!!  :)

Zac and Travis

Hannah was sharing a cute caroling poem

Anna, Hannah, Melina, Susanna

Anisha and Rojina

delicious tacos!!  

Rejeena, Rojina, Laura, Julie, Anisha

Anisha just graduated from Truman so this was our 'goodbye for now' night with her.  We sure will miss you, Anisha!  But thankful we can keep in touch and hope you will come back and see us again!!