'Tis the Season 2018

The Holiday Week started on Christmas Eve with Dorothy, Barney and I going to Ashland Avenue church for a Christmas service and to a gathering of friends afterwards. Later, we opened presents at  Barney and Dorothy's.

Several days later, thanks to Kelly's coordinating efforts, the family Christmas celebration came together on December 29. Unfortunately, Rodney had to stay in Lawrence at the last minute.

Kelly, Andrew and Alee arrived in St. Joseph around 6:30. We snacked on hot dips, chips, and crackers (Alee went for the celery) while waiting for Adam and Sarah. We went ahead and started eating around 8 o'clock.

Ribs were the featured entree with ham sliders as a second choice.  Sides included potato salad, broccoli salad (for Rodney), baked beans and pasta salad (for Kelly). Left-over Thanksgiving turkey in gravy over a bun proved to be the most popular menu item. *making note for next year*

Adam and Sarah came around 9:45. The ham sliders were a little toasty on top but Sarah didn't care. Later, she and Adam volunteered to take some home.

After we finished eating, we went downstairs to open presents.  Andrew and Adam passed them out and then we opened them all at once. Again this year, Andrew and Adam's gift to me was a contribution to charity. Alee and Sarah participated also. Andrew and Alee chose St. Jude; Adam and Sarah chose the Lawrence Humane Society.

I received everything I asked for. Maybe because I texted photos to Kelly from Sam's Club and Walmart of just what I wanted ???

This year's missing $$ search was conducted by Kelly. This has almost become a tradition. We finally found the missing $ in an unopened present.