Me.isms: Christmas Holiday(s)

Christmas 2012 began in Minnesota where Joe and Leo met us for the Nohner Christmas on December 22. Sharon hosted us at St. Ben's and we spent the afternoon catching up on each other's lives, and exchanging gifts--this year's theme was "Home is where the heart is". Although some (all?) of us get choked up at times--its because we are sharing stories as we exchange the gift. $$ value is supposed to small--but these gifts lend us a way to share. For example Jeff and Rita gave photo cards of details, plants, flowers in her garden. In no small part due to her fibromyalgia and difficulties tending to a large garden, they have decided to sell their home and move downtown to a condo. Pros and cons, to be sure, but it was a wonderful way for them to be supported by us.

My gift was Penzey's spices, because wherever Kevin, the kids and I are (together or apart) we share recipes, feasts, restaurants, and tales of food preparation-of course the best is when we are together! I also gave the "little white man" and orange "octopus" USB multiports because I share a lot with my camera, phone, email, skype and blog.
Thank you Steve Jobs and Bill Gates!

Bernice, with the help of Julie, chose pottery or vases that had been stored in what was once the resort "store" on the long low shelves or in the china hutch. Together they became background, but individually they are beautiful and precious. She gave us what "Julie thinks Walt and Gloria gave to us long ago for our anniversary" and Julie is right. I too remember those glasses and the trip up for their anniversary.

Leo at Big Birch

Micah Jazzmine and Kayleen flash their beautiful smiles

Checking on the cabin-pretty much Leo's introduction to the white stuff-and he loved it!

Big Birch

Mitchell joined us on Christmas Eve at Diane's. So glad to have Kate and Paul (and Rylan!) living in Omaha this year-though that won't last long as they are moving to KC next month. Congrats to Paul on his promotion-we will visit often!

Love it!

So happy to have this white Christmas

Christmas Eve --Rylan dozing as great uncles mug for the camera :D

Worth a close-up

Rylan loves Emily's gift-"Little Doggie Roo-Roo"

Christmas Day was definitely a "first" for our family as Emily travelled to Zanzibar with friends and Nick and Nicki, in from Maui, spent a week in Montana before hitting the Big O. Christin too was joining later that week, so Joe and Mitch decided it was a good idea to wait until then to open gifts. As it was, we didn't have that much free time (I imagined us walking, playing a board game, having more coffee and then lazily getting up at noon to start dinner preparations-nope!)

We didn't work that hard, but we start fussing pretty early to get the Beef Wellington prepared, salad dressings, potatoes, etc and tables set. Emily usually helps with table settings, but this year I asked my friends at Voila to sell me something timeless. Then all I had to do was rent linens to go with it.

The crowd starts arriving after 3 and the cousins exchange gifts thereafter. I love that we celebrate in the evening and to me it is a warm, celebratory feast with everyone we love--saying "cheers-and Merry Christmas!"

The famed cousins gift exchange

What a beautiful group-even though I blurred the shot!

Anxious to try Beef Wellington-Tyler Florence would be proud!

Julia gets Rylan snuggles before heading to India

I could devote a blog to "Rylan's holiday"

Lydia in her Sock Monkey hat from Anton

Maddie and Mollie (Mollie handling three infections at once and starting to droop!)

Nick and Nicki joined us on Thursday and we all met in the Old Market. They shivered through the next five days-but we tried to keep them warm with coats and an electric mattress pad (soon to be on my bed!)

My first Instagram

On Friday, we took everyone to Lot 2 in Benson and it was a hit with all. If you haven't yet-you must try it!

Christin arrived later and we stayed up to the wee hours opening gifts --the next day we walked out at Standing Bear Lake-a place I had completely forgotten about, but no more than 3 miles from the house-it was beautiful-and we came upon one decorated tree! Magical.

Mitchell learned lock picking last summer and Nick gave him a box of locks (both sides) that he made with the Kanes :D

The decorated tree at Standing Bear Lake

Nicki Nick Christin and Joe

Warm and cozy

Not warm !

Adorable! (in front of the "tree")

Patagonia is calling you Nick. I kind of like the look though!

Leo :D

Saturday afternoon we skated at Tranquility and then across the street to Bene's for pizza and beer. Maddie and Mollie started by hugging the walls and soon were skating on their own-amazing! Amy was a trooper, starting first at the edges until she was swooped up under each arm by Joe and Nick for the skate of her life. She continued to laugh and didn't let it dampen her determination to have fun! Apologies for blurry pics-I was on the move.