Fabulous Holiday

What a celebration we had in Culpeper. It all started with a huge snow storm the week before Christmas. It was beautiful We couldn't get out much -- well Rich had to get out-- so we drove to Walmart. It was fun...............Then we were snowed in for a couple of days. Church was cancelled and everything. It made for a pretty quiet weekend before the big celebration.

Andrew's car all snowed in............


The creek behind the house. You can't really tell how deep the snow is.


We were plowed out a little. Rich had to dig out the spotlight under about two feet of snow. The house was beautiful in the snow.


Then onto Christmas Eve..............well, the camera girl was busy cooking, but what fun we had. Andrew's family, Matt's family and Gabe's brother, Ches and new wife were here -- plus the little girls, Audrey and Charlotte. We decided to go Italian for Christmas Eve dinner. Gabe made the super duper lasagne and Melanie and I did the side dishes. Ceasar Salad, Ceaser Toast points -- you get the idea. All Italian. It was fun. Melanie and Andrew bought some gelato and Italian ice, but we were too full to eat it. Ha Ha

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On to Christmas Day...............okay...........I did have fun setting the table. I did not put on the Christmas morning brunch table in the pictures lest you think I only care about the tables. See I am not that crass. We had our sugarlump bread and trimmings..............fun.


We had a great time with Audrey on Christmas morning. She was so adorable with her gifts. She didn't open them all -- once she found new toys to play with, she couldn't move on........what a cutie pie. Andrew and Melanie are so sweet with her and each other. Each gift they give seems personal and just what the other had been thinking they needed. Very special.


We had our traditional ham dinner. Gabe made her Grandma's rolls for us again. We are very lucky. I did manage to get a few people shots at this dinner along with my table.


Francesco and Evelyn from NYC







Lottie in her Thomas the Train sweater and hat


Christmas was fun and exciting and I decided I wouldn't cook again for a year. Well, that edict went away today. We had another fun New Year's Day. Movies, football and I decided to try two new recipes. Vegetable beef and barley soup with English muffins. I felt like a real pioneer. We loved both............the English muffins are easy -- a recipe from my friend Jeneane.

So, we survived another holiday season -- wonderful gifts, popcorn balls to the neighbors and friends, singing carols, trips to the dr with trading colds, reluctantly singing in church, and being surprised that the program went pretty well, homemade gifts to all of the Relief Society ladies, being together as family and talking to our absent loved ones by phone. Each day isn't always perfect but we love our holidays and treasure each moment.