Christmas 2009

Another Christmas has come and gone.  We celebrated in style, despite the snowy weather!

We spent Christmas Eve at the Simser's home in South St. Paul.
Haley,  Elizabeth and Mike's beautiful baby girl, experienced her first Christmas.  She was a good baby throughout the entire party.

We enjoyed our traditional hors d'oeuvres spread.

No one went away hungry, that's for sure!

We were able to get a few family groupings together for pictures.

There was bonding time between young cousins.  Clara is a great big cousin to Haley.

The elders had time to catch up with each other as well.

Everyone loved a chance to play with Haley.

And Uncle Joey had a spot on his lap for both of the little princesses.

Clara was very helpful opening gifts.

Haley was thrilled with her new toys.

And, she liked her daddy's new Viking's hat, too! 

Once again, we played our dice game and displayed our "white elephant" gifts.

Back home, we spent a quiet Christmas morning opening the family gifts.

Nick said "Great! Wool socks!" in true Minnesota fashion.

Nick's girlfriend, Ellen, joined us for the event.

Suzanne posed once again with the stocking in which she came home from the hospital two days before Christmas in 1983. There were a few years she wasn't so thrilled about this posed picture. She's resigned to it now.

After presents, Nick cooked brunch for the family,

while I set the table.

And Suzanne dreamed about getting some time to rest after her busy week.

Great food, Nick! This is a tradition I will encourage.

 

And, thanks, Paul, for capturing our family time with the camera.  Next year, maybe we will remember to take some pictures of you!

It was a great holiday. 

Next, we turn our thoughts towards our adventure to Florida! We'll keep you posted!