The Christmas Eve Party Is Always A Hit

Grandpa Kay set up this Christmas Village over the stairs.

Super cool.

After dinner (ham, potato casserole, green salad, jello)

we had a manger scene/story.

This family came to see the manger scene. We had musical entertainment.

(Maybe it was entertainment, maybe it was torture?)The kids rolled the dice...

...put on hat, gloves, and scarf ...

...and tried to open a package.

Santa made a special appearance as always.

He handed out gifts to all the good boys and girls.

Grandma Ann was a very good girl... Santa always spoils her.

This year he gave her a watch that matches Grandpa Kay's.

He enjoyed many hugs and pictures.

Uncle Stan pretended he was good on the drums.

While we were playing inside, outside -it was snowing

then raining then snowing.

which made for a VERY slippery driveway.

My kids were so excited and hyper, especially

watching Carl back down/slide down the big driveway

without even having the tires turn.

We had a smallish crowd with most of Stan's, half of Brian's,

half of Steve's, and Carl's families.

We missed all who were not there.

T-Day 08

Let me start by saying everything was FABULOUS,

but the potatoes and gravy were to DIE for.

Holly's potatoes were yummy as usual,

and Sean and Kristin opened up the spice cabinet and played scientists.

They used an old tried and true secret spice for the gravy in the end.

It was called taco seasoning.

Ann discovered it about 4 years ago when she used it in the gravy by mistake.

Instead of napping right away, most of the adults drove

over to the ranch to see if the rumors were true.

It is no longer a "Sunset Ridge".

It is more than likely to be called a "Sunset Resort" now.

This is looking south toward the barn.

This is looking towards the gate to Ann's property.


The stage underwent some minor changes also: the canopy and the stairs on the left.

We played Nerts with 14 people- same with spoons.

It was a smaller crowd than ever before (Stan, Carl, & Sean), but we had a good time.

We are anxiously waiting for some news from up north......