New Years Eve

And so I bid good riddance to 2011. Oh, without question there were blessings and high points: our first family vacation, remembering 25 years of marriage, Arianna joining the volleyball team, and extraordinary success in the vegetable garden. But, by and large it was an extremely painful year . . . at the office and at home with Bruno.

Naturally, one invariably strives to put the darkness aside and revel in the light. This evening's annual puzzle making, smorgasbord, and movie marathon - capped by the throwing of confetti and clinking of glasses may be dull to most but is a delight for which we are thankful.

Happy Birthday & Good Bye

Bruce celebrated his birthday today. Although you'd hardly know it.

It's tough. You're mind is on the drive . . . ensuring that everything is packed . . . wondering what the weather on the route will be like . . . . So, it's only natural that Bruce was a bit distracted this morning.

We nevertheless tried to make him feel festive by serving lunch before they hit the road.



And what would a birthday be without gifts to open?







Arianna even baked a cake, er, lots of little cakes, that everybody enjoyed.

2nd Christmas

Another day of extraordinary weather. Although I slid down the driveway when I retrieved the Tribune from the curb before the sunrise, since returning from Mass the temperatures have risen steadily. Indeed, while driving back from St. Catherine's the luster in the air was reminiscent of late March, early April.
Today Sharon planned to exchange gifts with Bruce and Laurie's family.
After rousing Alex from his teenage slumber, the simple festivities began.

Jane and Arianna play Santa . . .


Bruno unwraps . . .


More gifts to distribute . . .


Something to keep Bruce warm . . .

And something to keep Sharon warm . . .


Laurie's excitement . . .


A hand sewn dress for Laurie's Barbie from Arianna and Sharon!


Mystery Date from Bruno!


Piano music from Laurie and Bruce!




Und jetzt?


Lunch! Lester and Myra invited us all to a Chinese Buffet in Elgin. This was an unexpected, but welcome treat.

And then?

Who knows what will unfold as evening takes hold of the 4th day of Christmas.

Visitors

Today, Bruce and his family arrived from Iowa. They will celebrate Christmas with us through mid-day Friday.
Although we've nothing special planned for their visit, it's an opportunity for Bruno to visit with his son and daughter-in-law and his grandchildren.
While visiting with the Iowans, Lester and Myra dropped in to say hello.
Games were prevalent on this evening's agenda: Ping Pong, Wii, and Pinochle, and a game called Apples to Apples, which -- like Sunday -- results in lots of laughter.

Playing Apples to Apples . . .





Time for bed . . .

Merry Christmas!

This year Christmas was without snow. We're experiencing a run of mild(ish) weather that is more reminiscent of March than December. The lack of snow may have accounted for the lack of anticipation and excitement throughout the Advent season. Or, perhaps our family traditions are becoming too routine. Regardless, Christmas 2011 was without crises and came off without a hitch.

I took nearly 100 photos on Christmas. Here are just a few.

I. Nothing but crumbs - Mr.C's been and gone!"




II. Gifts await restless hands"



III. Sharon tries to share a little holiday cheer with Pepper"




IV. Grandpa opens a gift from Arianna"




V. A book of experiments for the resident scientist"




VI. One of Oma's gifts for Arianna: a wrist watch"




VII. Sharon's turn"




VIII. Our friends from the parish always remember Arianna at Christmas"




IX. Traditional carols by the Polish, Lira Ensemble"




X. Arianna looks behind the tree"




XI. A lovely package from our neighbors, Nita and Jerry"




XII. PJs!"




XIII. From Aunt Marikay and Ben an addition to a slowly growing collection of illuminated buildings"




XIII. From Aunt Christa, Uncle Mike, and William a framed photo of William"




XIV. From Mommy and Daddy: the much hoped-for Wii game console"

After gifts were exchanged, Sharon prepared a light breakfast of plum pierogi. Then, we began preparing for the Lawrences, Carrs, and Venderspools. But not without interruptions: an unexpected telephone call from Arianna's Godfather in California and a turn of attention to plugging in and trying out the Wii.



XV. A first: Bruno calm and relaxed on Christmas, awaiting the arrival of his guests"




XVI. Sharon checks pierogi"




XVII. Sharon looks on as Carl takes the turkey from the oven"




XVIII. Dinner (at rest)"

Since dinner was by-and-large ready shorty after the family arrived, we decided to enjoy the Christmas feast before exchanging gifts. --A departure from previous years, but a welcome change insofar as neither Sharon or Bruno were continuously excusing themselves to check this or that.

After everybody had had their fill, we gathered in the living room to exchange and open gifts.



XIX. Something for Bruno . . ."




XX. Rum cake . . . made from Millie's recipe"




XXI. Arianna looks like she might want a snack."




XXII. Greg & Barb discuss the merits of horseradish versus pumpkin seeds."




XXIII. Mike & Linda"




XXIV. Mike and Linda open gifts while Sharon and Lester look on."




XXV. Arianna and Barb admire a new addition for the Carr Christmas tree."




XXVI. Myra & Bruno"




XXVII. Lester & Myra"




XXVIII. Games: Apples to Apples"




XXIX. More Apples to Apples"