THE DAY AFTER...

Good morning. Are you all putting away your gifts, drinking your coffee, and trying to get your bearing again? We had a wonderful Christmas day. We had time yesterday morning for a leisurely breakfast and gift opening with my Mom and then off to pick up Dad for the afternoon. This was daughter Ashley's first Christmas to host our party and she did a wonderful job. Her house looked so festive and the food was terrific - and we all ate way too much. It was so great to be able to have my Dad with us for Christmas too. He has slipped quite a bit since Thanksgiving, but he enjoyed getting out and being with his family. Chad (son), Dad, Mom and Ashley (daughter).

Dick, me, Mom and Dad - just look at that smile!

This was our little Lucy's first Christmas and she was so good! She loved all the action, people, paper and gifts. She looked so cute in her little Santa outfit.

Uncle Chad sells bikes, so Abbey was the lucky recipient of a beautiful new mountain bike. Guess what she'll be learning to do this summer? Uncle Chad and Aunt Kim are both ski instructors, so she got started skiing when she was two. What a lucky little girl to have such a great aunt and uncle.

Abbey, Lucy and Aunt Kim.

Lucy and Great-Grandma.

Abbey and I (my first best girl) opening her new scooter.

Aunt Kim with Lucianna Kimberly.

Ashley and Tony (our hosts).

Chad got himself and Grandpa matching shirts with a guy in a wheelchair and one in a walker and told him it was the two of them!

It was really hard to take Dad back, but at least I'm thankful that he was able to be with us this year. All in all, it was a great afternoon.

Then on to son Rich's home for the evening.

Granddaugher Sydney was sure glad to see us. We got her a new sled and boots (along with some other things), but she had to set in her sled the whole evening and wear those new boots. She will be two on New Year's Eve and was having a ball!

Grandpa had to give her a ride in her new sled.

Isn't this the perfect place to feed your new baby?

Sydney, Val and Rich.

Well part one is over and this afternoon we will continue the festivities at daughter Amanda's home with our other four grandchildren. Daughter Tricia flew in from Oregon last night and we are looking forward to another fun afternoon!
THEN - HOORAY - my friend Connie and hubby Rick are on their way from Tennessee! They will be in this evening and we will be able to spend time together for the next couple of days. Can't wait!!! Tomorrow we will be able to get up and go exploring (antiquing) and just have a great time. It's been a long time since we've been able to spend any time together for Christmas and I'm so excited I can hardly stand it.

This Christmas I am so thankful for so many things. God was watching our son-in-law on the side of that mountain. I am so proud of all of our children and grandchildren. I'm so glad we could move here and be with my Mom in this hard time of her life. I thank God that I am able to spend time with my Dad and he knows me and we can still talk to each other. We are blessed with wonderful friends. But most of all, I am proud to be the wife of a wonderful man and best friend.

So, I'm off to have more fun and I hope you are too!

Until next time...