Christmas get togethers

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were very busy for our family. Christmas Eve was spent at the Bailey's with the whole extended family and then some. Every one was having a wonderful time chatting and eathing. The children were waiting anxiously for Santa to arrive. You should have heard the craziness when he came. Stephen and Ethan of course had a great time telling Santa what they wanted for Christmas. Christopher however, was a little coy about visiting with Santa so he stayed near Mom and Dad this year to open presents.

Christmas morning was spent at Grandma and Grandpa Tlustek's with the whole Tlustek clan! Grandma prepared a delicious breakfast. We of course opened gifts there as well. One gift was a pass to the WonderLab. That is one gift that keeps giving through the whole year. Thanx Mom and Dad. Hein and Stephanie had our name for the family gift and we received a warm blanket and hot chocolate and a gift card. The children of course got plenty as well.

Christmas Day we went to Grandma and Grandpa Paces for a late luncheon feast and more gift opening. We all received some real great and useful gifts. After eating we talked while the children played. We also had in our company three dogs this year. We have had a welcome addition to our home in Mali, a border collie we are watching for my soon to be brother-in-law Aaron. Of course we had with us Beretta our lab mix and Mom and Dad Pace's dog Maggie, a bassett beagle mix. Later on in the evening we played many rousing games of Pente. What a busy few days we had.

We also got together for a family meal Dec. 30th to say good bye to the Jackson's who are going back to Utah. We really enjoyed spending time with them and it was so great to have everyone home for Christmas. It was so wonderful for all the children to reaquaint themselves with each other. What a blessing family is.