Wednesday, January 20, 2021

Christmas and New Year - 2020 - 2021

Christmas Eve

Kazoo Breakfast

We have had this tradition since our years living in Caldwell.

This year we were fewer in number because Evan and Kelly and Tricia & James were with their families in Mexico until after Christmas.

Our waiter was having a very busy day and was trying to move too fast! He spilled water, and then half of our order came out and by the time the other half arrived, half of our group had finished eating. Then as he began to serve the rest of our group, his tray became unbalanced and oops...

Dishes were broken, food went flying and the hungry members of our group knew we were in for an even longer wait!

We ALL finally got our food!! Dex was really hungry and happy when his food finally came after a wait of over an hour!

Christmas Eve Dinner at Allison and Jon's Home

We gathered at Allison and Jon's home that evening. Before dinner, we were treated to a Christmas Concert with Sam, Ella and Evie playing the Christmas songs they had learned. They all did a great job!

Allison had everything beautifully decorated and we enjoyed a delicious ham dinner!

Hal and Alex are happy with full tummies!

Christmas Morning Brunch & Christmas Night Soup Supper

On Christmas morning we invited our friend Doris to come for brunch. It was just the three of us but we always enjoy sharing a meal with Doris!

Soup Supper

Our menu: Hal's Famous Clam Chowder, Allison's Tortellini Soup, Hawaiian Ham & Cheese Sliders & Allison's yummy rolls. We had a sundae bar for dessert.

After dinner we had fun playing the "White Elephant" gift game/exchange.

Adam's Grandma passed away on December 23,2019, so they headed to Phoenix for her funereal and returned on New Year's Eve.

While they were away, they left Chewie with us.

Chewie loved to be wherever people were so he could see what we were doing and hang out with us. While I was working on the dining room table, I looked over to see Chewie up on the sofa table watching my every move!

With everyone finally together, we were able to celebrate New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with ALL together plus a few extra special guests!

New Year's Eve Party at Evan and Kelly's Home

Evan and Kelly hosted a tropical themed dinner and game's party.

Our host and hostess

Evie, Ella, Liam, Ruby, Violet, Gigi and Aleeya

The Woidka Family

Brytan and Treygan

Lillian on the "beach" enjoying a Pina Collada

Hal and Patty's "photo opp"

Alleeya & Lillian getting ready to enjoy Evan's smoked and barbecued ribs, baked potatoes and salad

Jessica and Adam dish up dinner.

Treygan and Brytan

After dinner we retired to the basement to play some games. We divided into two teams - girls vs boys - and played "Reverse Charades. This game is different from traditional charades in that one person on the team tries to guess what all of the other members of the team are acting out.

The guys really got into acting out their words!

New Year's Day (All Family) Christmas Party at Our Home

We finally celebrated our "everybody there" Christmas on New Year's Day! After we gathered, we had our family Nativity and shared testimonies.

🎄🎅🤶

Family Nativity

Then we all enjoyed our Appetizer Dinner! We have had this tradition for many, many years beginning when our kids were young and we lived in Caldwell.

Menu: Shrimp, Ramaki (bacon wrapped water chestnuts in a sauce), Stuffed Mushrooms, Veggies and Dip, Fruit Plate, Little Smokies in Barbecue Sauce (a kid favorite), Cheese Ball and Crackers, Gyoza, Meat and Cheese Platter, Pork, Seed & Mustard and Chips, Salsa and Guacamole. Homemade Martinellis (apple juice & 7UP) to drink and Swedish Cream for dessert.