Monday, December 29, 2014

Christmas Party 2014

Saturday. It feels like Saturday, but then every day for the past week has felt pretty much like a Saturday. I've heard the expression "a week of Sundays" but never Saturdays... (or was that "a month of Sundays?" Whatever it was (or is) it seems like there have been an awful lot of them lately.)

Our Minnesota family has come and gone. Yesterday we had 27 in the house for our Christmas party gathering. It was a little bit crazy here!

I absolutely loved having my little grandson here to visit, along with his mommy and daddy. We were disappointed to have Bethany sick with the flu not only on Christmas day, but on our party day as well. With a 103 degree temperature the previous night, there was no way she was going to make it. We were thankful to bring her in on Skype (on my new laptop) along with Gramanita who came in on Skype from Nova Scotia, Canada on Jim's Mac. Perhaps I do love modern technology.

Several of us took a turn holding our newest baby. He was passed from family member to family member and although Spencer didn't appear to mind the transfers, another small child was not pleased at all to find a strange baby on his daddy's lap. He toddled around the end of the couch to find his daddy snuggling his little cousin and burst into tears.

Gramanita stayed with us (on Skype) for almost 3 hours, taking in conversations, watching our gift exchange, and visiting with various family members. She was even taking pictures on her end. Austin tried on a bag hat while she amused him with antics all her own on the other side of the computer screen. I'm told Austin enjoyed the entire conversation and I think she did too.



I was lucky enough to sneak in a little snuggle with my faraway grandson. He is a busy little guy with a grand repertoire of facial expressions and a thirst to explore. He prefers toys and books scattered across the floor rather than put neatly in their places. He doesn't sit still for more than five minutes, and prefers to keep his daddy within eye shot. He's adorable, funny, and super smart, just like all my other grandchildren. (I think I know who they take after.)

This holiday didn't find us taking the group photos we'd anticipated. We were missing an entire family due to illness and I didn't want another incomplete group photo. Instead I am looking forward to Jim and Michele's return trip when the weather warms up (providing it ever cools off....) and we can gather everyone for a grand reunion. I smiled to see my middle son willing to humor me (and his grandma) by throwing Gramanita a kiss before she signed off the computer for the evening. I'm pretty sure she was smiling too.
:0)

14 comments:

  1. What a great party!
    Great idea with the Skype!
    You look very pleased holding young Austin♥️
    Hope Bethany is better soon....
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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    Replies
    1. We had already planned to Skype James' mom so it was only natural to bring Bethany in on Jim's computer. I'm just glad he had it with him. Beth is doing better today.
      :0)

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  2. It was such a nice party, and it was so nice to see everyone. Looking forward to the next ime everyone is together. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was a nice party. Wild and crazy like usual.
      :0)

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  3. What a great party. You too have such a wonderful family and to see your kids and grandkids...so special. I see Austin and think of Tristan. Jaya didn't get their computer fixed so we missed out on Skype Christmas...Soon I hope. She did send a video on the phone of him going down a big slide, and then clapping at the bottom so proud of himself. Miss him so.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Austin claps for himself too. So cute.
      It was a whirlwind visit and party, but wonderful just the same. They're off to Georgia now.
      :0)

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  4. Dear Martha, You have a beautiful family and Christmas looks like it was fun and good memories.
    Wishing you a very Happy and very Blessed New Year.
    xoxo Catherine

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Catherine. Yes it was fun, little overwhelming, but fun. We had way more than enough food and snacks, and I think everyone was able to find a spot to sit for a while too. Lots of good memories once again.
      :0)

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  5. 27? haha....wow...that is a lot of people. Looks like lots of fun, though! The flu is going around here something awful. So far we've been lucky.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. The numbers just keep going up! We're gaining as we go and it's been a fun process.
      I've heard this is a bad flu. I hope it stays away from us. Jakie is sick today. Poor Bethany just can't catch a break.

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  6. Replies
    1. It was fun. I hope when Jim and Michele come back we can do it all over again, minus the presents, of course.
      :0)

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  7. I saw these on Etsy today and thought of your cute felted wool creatures you made. This could be a real job...just look at the price tags on these!

    https://www.etsy.com/listing/168802135/similar?ex=etsy_finds&ref=etsy_finds&utm_source=adhoc&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=new_at_etsy_rbn_123014_19878923626_0_0&campaign_label=new_at_etsy_rbn&euid=9lKelLAZh1Gq4lfimT1BRlEvXBKN&eaid=1094038912&redirect=1&filters=dolls_and_miniatures+animals

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Crazy, isn't it?
      Now if only I was that good at it. Guess I'd better get back to practicing.

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