Christmas in February

Good morning,

As many of you know, My Honey and I travel for his work.  That means we miss some holidays and birthdays some years, but we always celebrate every holiday and birthday either before we go or as soon as we get home.

On this snowy February Sunday we celebrated Christmas, New Years, and Penny's Birthday with a yummy brunch and lots of family fun time.

Our son and family were here.  Above is Alex, our youngest grandson.  He managed to get a warm spot close to the fire.

Aunt Carol was here with her fabulous french toast casserole.

 Our daughter, Catherine, put together the rest of this fabulous meal.

 Soon it was time!  We have a large dining room table, but it is more comfortable for everyone to have a side table for the children.

 Our grandsons are engrossed in a chess game...

 ...then their Mom got her turn to play, too.

It's such a pleasure to have them all here.  Everyone just has fun.

 Presents!  Even the dogs get into the act.  Above Penny is opening her birthday present.  It's a collar that says "Agility" on it with special designs made just for her that I purchased from an Etsy shop.   

 For Christmas Penny and Erik got rubber chickens that they really, really love!  The dogs are both wonderful about opening their own and only their own presents.  They wait to be told what is theirs to open, then they tear into it just like any other kids.  So cute!

 Everyone had a blast.  When questioned, the kids said they think this double Christmas thing is pretty cool.

 And, the recipient of the Dr. Who scarf is................(drum roll, please).....our son Don.  He's very happy with it.  I was wondering, all the time I was knitting it, if he would really like it.  If he doesn't he sure put on a great act that he does!

 Erik and Penny played with their rubber chickens for the rest of the afternoon, squeaking, and squeaking, and squeaking, and squeaking....well, you get the idea.  :)  They really had fun!

 And, finally, we sang Happy Birthday to Penny and enjoyed enjoyed cake and ice cream. 

What a super fun day! 

It is so much more fun to reschedule dinners and gift giving and celebrations when we have to be out of town on the actual dates.  If we had just sent gifts or checks we would never have seen the smiles as the gifts were opened nor would we have been able to spend this precious time together.

All the best,
 Lois