Christmas 2011

Christmas this year was interesting, to say the least. Many blessings, for sure. Jack, Wayne, Sally and I went to 3:45 pm mass, then celebrated Christmas Eve at Jenny and Jay's.As always, Abbie and Nina brought much joy to the occasion. It was very strange not to have Marmar there. Jenny had a karaoke mic set up for the girls to play with, but the adults had just as much fun with it. I will try and post some short videos.

On Christmas morning, we did our usual breakfast at Bucky and Grandma's with Paul and Downtown Sue. We opened presents and talked about Mike and Marmar and worked on processing the losses. The menfolk did their traditional "Shortenin' Bread" song while cooking the sausages. After breakfast, we went back home to regroup and get the food ready for dinner and arrived back at Bucky and Grandma's at 5:30.  Sue, Lauren and Brendan had already arrived and it was great to be together. I often take family pictures in the living room after dinner, but we changed that up a bit. Too soon to have those yearly pictures without Mike in them.
Here is one of my favorite pictures from Christmas. It is Lauren and Brendan looking at the nativity set, part of which Mike made out of toothpicks when he was little.

 I will post more pictures from Christmas once we finish getting Marmar's memorial service planned.