The even numbered Christmas - Part 1

This picture sums up the last three days. Total excess along with a lot of laughs. The niece and nephew could not have been cuter and the hospitality by the Grand Fork Dunnets was outstanding.

Margo and I closed our eyes and crossed our fingers as we sat in the back of the Pathfinder while Mom did some heroic driving to get us out of the city. I couldn't look outside as it just stressed me out too much. Once we passed Hope (ironically) all was good. It was bit chilly; we all had blankets tucked between ourselves and the doors to try and keep the wind out, at one stop we took the ice scraper...the the inside of the windows. But we arrived in one piece and were greeted with hugs and enthusiasm about the days to come.

Big K and little K pulled out their A game to make us feel welcome and loved. Dave broke out the beers to get some Christmas cheer going and we settled into a Christmas eve of tourtiere and the third Harry Potter movie. The kids kept looking at us and whispering loudly 'Santa is coming!'

Totally brought me back to my youth. They also wanted to open a present...now.

Dave told me that in Sachon's wisdom they decided not to put the gifts out until that morning or it might drive the kids crazy. Very smart.

The adults settled in to watch Scrooged (so good!) and the kids went to bed so that Santa could arrive.

I think this was one of the first years I got to steal a lot of bacon off the turkey. This 28.5lb bird was cooked to perfection and there was more than enough to go around. With only the even numbered birth order children in attendance (plus two spouses and two kids) I had to step it up and have two plates to make a small dent in the feast. It was the traditional Dunnet Christmas dinner right down to the bread sauce and turnips. This was my first year of really enjoying the brussel sprouts.

Kiyomi doesn't have black eyes. Santa brought her eye makeup.