Christmas Day

Christmas Morning we had a smaller group without Jud and Amy. Paul took her to work early at Beaver Creek at 7:15 a.m. That was strange - neither of our kids was with us on Christmas morning. Jordan, Colby and Liv had to stand in as our token children. Cindy hides pickle ornaments on the tree. Jordan spotted the big one and Liv spied the tiny one so they got to open the first gifts.

We stored Amy's gifts for later when she got back from work - the ones from and for her. Colby always does a nice job of purchasing a gift for his momma. He stepped in after Bolder passed away.

Cindy checks out her Golden Bear bracelet

Jigsaw therapy

My sissy game me this. :>)

Betso had my name for Christmas this year (the sisters alternate - though every year we are confused as to who has whom). Usually that means I get a basket! So I was surprised to see a long skinny wrapped box. Longaberger sells knives now - who knew?!? I haven't looked at their catalog for a while. I got a swell paring knife. Pablo got me a Golden Bear (Vail's signature jewelry) necklace that I had admired in their catalog. He actually listened to me! Colby received a fly fishing pole and some lure type stuff to tie flies. I got Paul a new camouflage down jacket he had admired - it's light as a feather. (Probably because down is feathers...).

When Amy got back from her day of working at Beano's, we did it all again without Colbs and Liv. We talked to Jud on the phone too - he was having a good time in Columbus with the Whiteds. He enjoyed seeing the Ohio State University stadium and Kara's mom Renee had cooked some great pie and cake.

Appies - such good cheese

Look at that beef...and the prime rib too. haha

Bonnie always makes beautiful desserts

That night we went to the Pottorff's house for prime rib and lots of other good food. The new food I tried this year was Brussels sprouts. I haven't eaten that particular food since childhood when Pat Bullock made me eat the vile things. I chewed them, spit them into my napkin and fed them to Jud the dog. And vowed then never again to eat them. And never to make my own children eat crap!



Telling jokes

My crown slipped on my tiny head - check out the fab ring found in my popper

But wait a minute...EPott - Eric, made these with cream and bacon. They were delightful! I liked the cranberry salad Shalloy made too. It was all good - including the cookie dessert. Bonnie got out "poppers" at the end, and we all ended up with crowns - found inside along with other cool stuff like jokes, games and jewelry. Some people looked like Jughead in the crowns. Of course with my pinhead, mine slipped down to my nose.

Behind Eric - the "kid's table"
 

When it was time to leave...we had to do final goodbye hugs. I hate that. But we'll see Colby and Cindy in April. And Amy (and Jordan) in May if not before then. I hope to even get out to Grand Junction to see my sis Susi's new house then...before it's not new anymore!

The next day we did the "quick" trip back - 12 hours, very few stops. We dropped Amy off at her place on our way through Denver. We were home a little after 6 p.m. Odie was glad to be home. So were Paul and I. Family rocks! And friends do too. Feeling blessed.

Christmas Day

I hope I can remember this - it's been over a week ago already! I think I've killed some brain cells since then.

First I must tell you, my daughter back-handed me in our motel room Christmas Eve...It was my own fault! I was being cute. We were all very tired, though I'd only had one drink all night. She was sleeping with us at the Riverwalk Inn that night so Colby could stay at home after partying.

Amy popped into the bathroom and slipped into her jammies and brushed her teeth. Then she slipped into bed. Paul, who had imbibed more than one drink, changed next and tried to slip into bed. I asked, "Did you brush your teeth?" Sheepishly, he went back to take care of that chore. Then I popped my daily migraine meds into my mouth and took a sip of water walking  towards Amy, now tucked into her bed. Feeling smart and funny, I put my face too close to hers and started to ask, "Did you wash your face?" Like I was the night night police. Unfortunately Amy's not used to people invading her space when she's trying to sleep! She backhanded as a reflex (I think...) and I choked, nearly aspirating my meds while I laughed.

The children (they'll always be my babie) search for a tiny pickle ornament

Colby went all out and got Liv some Cheerios for Christmas (and nice earrings)

The next day, we arrived at Cindy's ready to open gifts. The kids had to find the pickle to see who got to open the first present. Liv, Colby's girlfriend won the prize. Cindy tried to cook breakfast goodies and be the present fairy, but eventually Amy took over. Once again, people were much too generous! I hope all were pleased with the gifts we got them (or they had proper gift receipts if not...). Amy, Jud, Kara and Paul left to ski Beaver Creek mid morning. So fortunate Aunt Cindo provides free lift coupons! She shouldn't even bother with gifts for them after that...$100+ worth. Colby planned to ski so he and Liv left soon too. That left Cindy and me to clean up a bit and we had a jigsaw puzzle to do. It was a nice chance for me to talk with my sis - to see how she is doing. Dang, it's F'n hard to lose your spouse.

 

That afternoon, after Paul and the kids got back, we went back to the Riverwalk for a bit, then it was time to go back to Cindy's. Odie was staying there in her kennel while we went to Pottorff's for supper. She feels safe there.

We took some leftover chicken wings and Cindy's halftime dip over to Bonnie and Eric's. They had deviled eggs - reminding me of my gran, Momo. She used to make them for Christmas too. Frank the wine rep was there and there was delightful chardonnay. Bonnie and Eric's son Byron wasn't there. He'd gone back to California to work at his internship with the LA Clippers as a trainer early that morning. The Sanders fam arrived and the kids all mingled - fun to see. Reeve is a frosh football player at a college in SW Colorado. Kelsey played soccer at NWMSU (Yes Maryville, MO) graduating when Jud did from ISU. Cute kids. Kelsey is now at Physical Therapy School - at Eastern Michigan I think.

Sanders Family. Mad I didn't get one of the Pottorffs!

The prime rib was fab as usual. We gotten to know Shaloy and Jim, Bonnie and Eric so well. I still don't know Frank the wine guy that well, but his wares are yummy! I love how they love my sis and Colby. And they loved Bolder. Kara isn't a big meat eater which was fine because Jim and Kelsey are vegetarians, so there are plenty of potatoes, bread and salad. Bonnie even made dessert.

At the end of the evening I was sad to say goodbye to everyone - including Cindy and Colby, because we were leaving early the next day. Good thing we're seeing them in April in Florida! Paul and Colby have plans to go fishing a couple times. Cindy and I will read and hang out by the pool.

It was a good Christmas. We missed Bolder. There is an empty spot where the big lug should be! Colby and Cindy are doing as well as can be expected. It sucks. They're survivors. We sure love 'em! And we were honored to be invited (or to invite ourselves) to be with them again this year.

My gift from Jud and Kara - so cute!

Christmas Day Fam and Feast

It's January 2, and we've have been to Colorado, New York and back. But I must write a brief blog about our fam gathering and mouth watering Christmas Day feast at the Pottorff's before I write about NYC. We love being with the Lefebvres on Christmas Day - it's even more special and fun than the big party. There is something about sharing this day with my sis and having our families together that warms my heart.

This year, Jordan Alvillar hung out with us too, before heading home to Grand Junction to be with her parents. The kids spent time looking on the large Lefebvre tree for the little pickle ornament to see who got to open the first gift. Jordan got us some yummy chocolates, and we got her a lil shovel so cute boys can get her car unstuck like they did that week. I admit it - Paul and I overdid it. We went overboard when it came to gifts for our cherubs. But dang it, the little 'uns have their own jobs now! We too received fab gifts from them. We had bloody marys and little quiches.

Then Paul and the kids went off to ski Beaver Creek and Colby left to ski Vail in a Santa suit. Cindo and I were left to do a jigsaw puzzle. It was very relaxing. Bolder rested - tired from the big night.

Amy and Jud

Later, we all went to Pottorffs for prime rib - Eric had put it in 8 hours earlier. What a hunk of meat! Bonnie prepared potatoes, and Shaloy and Jim brought salad. Paul and I brought some of his deer sausage and sticks. There were deviled eggs, shrimp, cheese and more. So very good! Bonnie described their plans to say their vows again this coming June, for their 25th Anniversary - in Vegas. Elvis will pick them up in a pink Cadillac! The Lefebvres will be there too. Fun people!

The Goldsmiths headed home at 6 a.m. the next morning - a long drive, but we were well satisfied. There is nothing like family for the holidays.