Monday, December 27, 2010

Christmas at Home

We are so lucky, our Christmas starts on Christmas Eve with Ken's family. We always have a wonderful Christmas dinner lovingly prepared by Ken's mom and we are joined by the Brady's, Ken's sisters family, for an evening of singing, presents, playing and laughing.

Ken entertains the family with some singing while Julia and Sid dance away the night. Laura was getting some basic guitar and ukulele lessons from Ken and is a true natural. That girl is going to be a musician some day!

When the Brady girls arrived they all whispered "Sid is going to LOVE her present."! Boy were they right. Sid was ecstatic to have the horse wash she has wanted it "For YEARS!!" says Sid.

The girls all played spoons together and taught Sid how to play cards then Sid took all the girls down to the basement and taught them Cat School. Below they are learning the art of defending using their back feet. Really!!!


After at least an hour of cat school and various games the girls were all worn out. It was time to call it a night and head home to wait for Santa!!!

In the morning the cookies, carrots and sugar were gone and it looked like Santa enjoyed his coffee. Sid insisted that Santa must get tired of all the milk and would probably like a nice hot coffee so we made him one in a thermal mug. Above you can see Groovy hanging by Sid's side ready to assist with present opening as needed.


Sid bought me a new tea pot for Christmas and it is amazing. SOOO big, it holds over 10 cups of water. Anyone want to come for tea? I love it.


Sid was very pleased with her doll house from Mom and Dad, she got into it right away.

The other gift from us was a new bicycle. Pink, cute and big for our big girl. Daddy put it under the tree with a bow on it. She was so surprised. Ahhhhh the magic of Christmas! Santa and Nan Nan were also so generous and enjoyed her morning immensely!!

Even the cats got into the spirit with a new box to play in.

Here is one of the felted ornaments I made for our tree this year. I hope to make more for next year. I made 47 airedale ornaments for Howliday Christmas cards so I didn't get much work done for our own tree.

I made this peace dove for our friends Todd and Francine. Before I sent her home with them I felted 2010 on the back of her tail. I was really happy with how she turned out!

On the 26th Sid decided it was time to try Cross Country Skiing. She was a natural and LOVED it. We are so proud at how she just goes out and does stuff without ever thinking she can't do it.

This is in our backyard!



Awwwww, look at those cute little skis!

After skiing we came in for hot tea and cookie face races. We saw this on America's Funniest Home Videos. It is soooo funny. You put a cookie on your forehead and can only use your face muscles to get it into your mouth. No hands allowed!


We are all practiced up now and will challenge the rest of the family on New Years!
As this year of blogging comes to an end I am once again amazed at how quickly the time is passing. So much to do so much done! I can't wait to find out what is around the next turn for our family and friends.
Love, Health, Happiness and Peace in 2011 to all of our friends and family.
Steph, Ken, Sid and the Groovy Gang ~ Groovy and Maggie

An Early Family Christmas


I love this picture! It captures what a wonderful time we had Dec. 20 and 21 at Granny and Grandpa's Ho-Ho's. Here Greg called Dad "Grandpa Bubbles" (trailer park boys) and we all cracked up. Great capture Shae!
Ken had to work on the Tuesday so he was unable to make it but the rest of the family managed to get the day off for an early family Christmas celebration. On the Sunday, Greg, Shae, Addy and Taylor arrived at the farm then on Monday Rick and I drove up to spend the night. We had so much fun it was about -1 out so we went for a nice long walk and then ended up sledding for about an hour afterwards.


I had a hat but Tay offered me her extra one because she was wearing her penguin hat. I LOVE this hat!!!

Group shot with Shae behind the camera

Group shot with Greg Behind the camera!

Rick attacking the hill on a sled

Sid following Uncle Rick's lead

"I'm OK!"
Grandpa and Granny in their woods

Uncle Rick getting a push down another hill
Ultimate cuteness!

Addy going for her first solo sled ride

Mom and Addy zooming down the hill

Dad and Addy sledding too.

Granny gives it a try while Sid, Rick and Taylor build a jump for more excitement

Wheeeeeeeee..... uncle Rick heads for the new jump

CONTACT!!

Ah but then the still bendable teenager Taylor shows us how it is done!

Good air penguin girl!

In the safety of her daddy's arms Addy watches on as her Mom, sister, aunt, and uncle fly down the hill.

Greg going straight for the unfrozen pond.....

Don't worry Greg, we won't catch you!

Shae has a turn

I have a turn.

Meanwhile at the bottom of the hill the paparazzi capture the day and occasionally cause interference to help stop the sledders from going into the pond (after they protect their cameras of course)!


Sid has a go at the jump.

Success!

Greg tackles Rick at the end of the run. Just helping out by making sure he doesn't land in the water!

Back inside we warmed up while Uncle Rick told us some very creative stories.
Fresh air, warm fire, good stories makes for very sleepy people!
Even Addy got in on the fun!

A little later, Ronda, Peter and Grace joined us and we had a wonderful dinner together.
Then off to bed......

The following day Sean, Eleni, George and Liam came up and we celebrated Christmas with gifts, dirty Santa and the most amazing Christmas dinner. I will be adding a group shot when I get it :)
I didn't get many pictures inside and by the time we got out for a walk it was getting really dark but here are a few shots from our walk together.





Dad, Greg and Addy, Sean with Liam on his shoulders and Eleni, Rick and George


George and Sid on Grandpa's new bridge over the creek. Oops I should say crick....

The sun setting indicated that it was time to load up the vehicles and head for home. It was such a magical two days. Thank you, thank you, thank you Dad and Ann Lee for hosting such an amazing get together. The food, as always, was spectacular and it was so great seeing all the little kids together. Best of all, I cannot remember the last time I played in the snow with my brothers. Total FUN!
Peace, health and happiness to you all for the coming year!