Sunday, December 27, 2009

Christmas 2009

Christmas is all about special moments! Claire admires the gingerbread tree ornaments created at "Jeni's Daycare."
Christmas morning Jayden was surprised by this huge box under the tree. (These first two pics are out of order, but I forgot to add them!)
A new 32" flat screen tv from parents and grandparents. He couldn't believe it!
Mark arrived the Saturday morning before Christmas on Amtrak. His Christmas gift to Mom and Dad had already arrived. Dad gives a big thank you to him!
Jill and John arrive later that night on the Amtrak also. First time in four years they've been here for Christmas. We're all excited!
Jeni & Nathan were in Bismarck for Cole's BB tournament, so couldn't join us at the Homesteaders Sunday morning for breakfast/lunch. After an hour plus wait, we were finally seated!
After a good night's rest, Jill & John are making plans for the week. Jill has several old friends she's looking forward to visit. Wed. night all the old theatre crew are getting together for their annual party.
Mark's plans include a little shopping, helping Dad get used to the new TV remote, staying in shape with walking and Dad's Nordic Trac, a few BIG meals, and lots of relaxation! Little did he know he was going to play "Santa" (after sever years off), Christmas Eve!
Sherry & I are looking forward to good times with family. Tiffany & Jayden are coming Tues. night. Jason works at the port Christmas Eve day, but will come later that day. We're hoping the weather cooperates with his trip to Minot. Chad and Jenny will not be here, as Super Target needs his guidance through the holidays.
Jerry's just looking for the waitress. He's hungry!
Sunday evening was "Lasagna Night." Jill put in a request earlier for her mom's lasagna. Jeni & Nathan are now home from Bismarck.
Kaydra and Cole had a great time in Bismarck. Kaydra brought her friend Ciera along, and they were cheerleaders for Cole's games. Afterwards, they enjoyed time in the pool.
Mark is thinking about the pounds he'll be putting on once again during the holidays!
Dad checks out the salad bar.
Sisters "catch" up.
Tuesday evening Jayden & Tiff arrived. Wed. morning the good times in the snow begin.
That night we all headed to our current favorite restaurant, "The Badlands Grill & Saloon."





Jayden gives a "thumbs up" for his favorite meal - steak!
Jayden insisted on sitting by the fireplace.

Claire missed her afternoon nap.
Dad & Jerry listen to Mark's political views before the food arrives. Jerry & Mark are on opposite teams!
Back home, the boys did a litttle card - sorting.
Christmas Eve has arrived!
Mom washes the Santa suit for use later that night.
Sherry wraps a few last minute gifts.
The BBqued pork chops are in the crock-pot, and potatoes are being peeled for scalloped potatoes. Broccoli salad will complete the Lee's traditional Christmas Eve dinner.
It's not a holiday without chex mix. Dad sneaks a few while cooling.
Mom is trying out "Martha Stewart's" foil-wrapped Christmas stockings to hang on the tree. The kids had fun finding theirs, and were very happy with the cash tucked inside!
Sherry took a little break to read Mom & Dad's Christmas cards.
After church, it was time to dish up!
The snow is falling, as Jill & John enjoy a cup of hot cider.
Mmmmm
Jason finally arrived! The blizzard warnings are in effect.
It's toasty warm inside, as the snow continues to fall outside.

Jill, John, & Tiff were busy earlier in the day. They brought over their delicious buns made in the new Kitchen-Aide given to us as a lake gift by good friend Lynn Johnson. We're trying it out before summer begins.
Mark was a good sport about playing Santa. Santa has previously been played by Dad, Mark, Chad, Nathan, and Jason. Since the boys no longer "believe," they were all about helping Mark get dressed for surprising Claire.



Santa says, "I couldn't have done it without you!" Maybe one day you boys will play Santa.
Santa makes his grand entry!
Loved the expression on Claire's face! ( I got most of his little speech to the kids videotaped, but not all. It's hard balancing a movie camera and camera at the same time. ) It went something like this: Now boys and girls: remember to work hard in school, eat your vegetables, listen to your parents, and don't vote Republican!
Looking over the Santa gifts.
Let the gift-opening begin!
Packers products are always a hit with Cole!
Cole & Jayden's gifts to each other.
Claire loved everything she got!
PS3 game from Great-Grandpa is appreciated.

There's still more to go!
Steeler's bag for BB gear
More Barbie stuff!


Jayden thanks Nathan for the gift of his book, A Good Dose of God.

Claire will need another closet for all her "Princess" dresses!

The foil stockings
"This is the bestest Christmas ever!"
Dad loves the Bunn for Arizona.
Jerry was trying to figure out what this was. "It's a banana hanger for the bananas you always eat!"
A Garmin will be appreciated for those Mpls. trips.
I put together a shadow box and scrapbook highlighting Mark's Eagle Scout achievements. I think he liked it!
The three cousins haven't been together in a very long time!
John likes the Cooking book Jerry picked out for him.
Jayden snuggles up with Mommy as she opens her Snuggie.
Sherry loved the fresh saltwater Taffy she tried during our trip to WA this summer, so Jill & John gave her a huge bag for Christmas!
Tiff loves the new laptop she got from Jason & Jayden.

Mom gave us copies of the book we made for Dad's 80th Birthday. We love them! I also got a laptop from Tiff, Jason, & Jayden. Can you believe it?
I love Christmas!
Claire models her new dress.
Cole tries a little Christmas punch.
The stockings were filled!
The Snuggie is tried out!
The "Happy Birthday to Jesus" cake
Kaydra came later that night, so opened presents back at home.
Back at the Anderson's.
This book she got from Great-Grandma & Grandpa is so neat!
Finding Santa had filled his stocking at Grandma's house
Chrismas morning we awoke to more snow, and blizzard conditions worsening. Since I was planning dinner out at our home, we thought it best to move it in to Mom & Dad's. Even though we're not that far out of Minot, we didn't want anyone to have to drive out here. So, we packed up partially cooked food, and loaded it in the Suburban, and finished it in town. I don't think I ever want to get into the Catering Business!!
Jerry picked up the rest of the crew, and barely made it a few blocks to Mom & Dad's home.
Jill & John brought over some great cheeses, and humus for us to try! (along with some good wine.)
The dinner was a success. Ham, meatballs, baked & mashed potatoes,scalloped corn, coleslaw, pretzel salad, and pie. (along with our usual 101 appetizers!)


Afternoon checker game
Viewing of "Four Christmases." It's such a great movie!

The view outside kitchen window
View outside front of house
Getting ready for a little excursion
Hot cider in hand
We're all feeling housebound, and ready to drive around checking out road conditions. We didn't like what we saw!!
Nathan's back went out during Christmas. Jerry tries to help out. He was in misery the whole vacation. Went to chiropractor Mon. morning.
Pictures outside our house with the 24 plus inches of snow!





Taja has become one of Claire's best friends.
Dora's Christmas was Claire's favorite movie. Merry Christmas to all, and a Happy & Healthy 2010!

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