Once Again With Love, Thanks, Peace & Hope we gathered for a

Very Merry Christmas!

With absolutely no snow on the ground and unusually warm temperatures in the 40's & 50's, our busy week culminated in a series of Family Gatherings that were perfect for the Season of Christ's Birth.

We were missing our eldest Bryan & Daughter Sabrina - as they were in Boston awaiting their 1st child. But we were happy that Sabrina's parents Tony & Sue were out there with them - so they had family with them to celebrate their 1st married Christmas.

Christmas Eve

As we have done for over 2 decades now, we met at Kathy's brother Jay & wife Val's house to spend time with Kathy's side of the family. As usual it was a great meal, with plenty of time to catch up with all the goings on in our families.

Newly married Niece Jameson & husband Lane introduced their new dog "Sully" to the group and he stole the show. Still a puppy - he is huge and will only get bigger - but I don't think he can get any whiter! Picture upper left is the Batz family with that cute Puppy. Picture below is Gary, Jan & Their Family - Val & brother Jeff bookending their parents, Shirley & Walt - and Kathy & crew.

We left Jay & Val's around 9pm and made a quick stop at Cousin Barb & Randy's house to say Hi to all there. It was a raucous celebration, where we saw My Mom, sister Jean, favourite Aunty Joyce and others. Folowing that we all, including Brett's girlfriend Mary, went to a beautiful Midnight Service at Trinity.

As has become our Tradition of the last few years, on the way home we steal our way into Memory Gardens Cemetary and say a quick prayer around the gravesites of My Beloved Dad & Godfather.

Christmas Morn

For the 1st time in 27 years we didn't get up until well after 8AM, as we weren't asleep before 1:30 the night before. Santa had brought a few gifts this subdued Christmas Morning and Ben, Brett & Brad tore into them. Video right shows them all enjoying the morning.

Santa brought a lot of Clothes, Coats & Hats for the boys. Each of the boys had gifts for each other which they had alot of fun with.

Christmas Day

At 2 pm it was off to sister Nancy & Randy's where they laid on a Christmas Feast for the Record Books. A Christmas TenderLoin, salads, potatoes, and unending Dessert Tray - stuffed us all. Mom, all her Kids and their families made it a full, happy house.

Even though we don't exchange gifts with everyone now that most of the kids are grown, the Present Opening Session still took over an hour.

Many thanks to Nancy & Randy for hosting the day. It was beautiful.

Merry Christmas To All