Over the Backyard Fence

For the first time this week, Dan and I woke to a house that was just the two of us. Oh, and one granddog. I hope you all had a lovely Christmas. Back at the start of Advent I wrote about slowing Christmas down some this year. We expected few visitors and a generally quiet holiday. Oh, boy! The house was full on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and it was a lively 48 hours, with much laughter and rowdiness. I have much to be thankful for this week, and want to pause and remember the moments with Susanne at Friday's Fave Five.

The first to arrive ~ The reinforcements. Andy and Diane (my brother and sister-in-law) arrived on Monday loaded with food and gifts and ready to work. The kitchen was humming that afternoon as all four of us cooked and prepped for the next day. Keeping it real:

Overnight lodgers ~ Joe and Sam decided at the last minute to come for Christmas Eve! They drove from their home in Washington state, stopped for the night (and left their dog) before continuing on to Dallas to see Sam's family for the week. I can't remember the last time they were here for Christmas. It was a delightful surprise! My brother Mark was traveling in the opposite direction from Florida, and he, too, popped in for the night. The table was delightfully crowded for Christmas Eve dinner with my niece and her fiance (who arrived bearing crockpots filled with roast and veggies), my son-in-law and grandkids, Dad and Carol, and the rest of us. Fourteen in all.

A few quiet hours just for us ~ Dan and I had a really nice Christmas morning, just the two of us. Our three overnight guests left very early and the Christmas Day guests were due to arrive at noon. So, we exchanged our gifts to each other and listened to Christmas music, and took our time in the kitchen preparing dishes, until Andy and Diane (who stayed at their daughter Brandi's for Christmas Eve) arrived with Brandi. The five of us shared a light brunch, before we kicked it into gear once again, preparing a dinner to feed 12 that day. 

An announcement on Christmas Day ~ We were joined by my nephew Jason and his wife Sophia, and my youngest brother Matt and wife Lois for dinner. Jason and Sophia announced they are expecting a baby next summer! A girl, due July 4th. 

Best-laid plans and all that ~ For several years now, despite my best efforts, I've failed at attempts to get a snapshot for a family Christmas card. Our immediate family (three grown children and spouses, and six grandchildren) are spread out over the United States. I haven't given up, and will try again next year! But in the meantime, I'm filled with gratitude that this Christmas we had a house filled with loved ones, and it came together with very little pre-planning. (And yet I still have no photos to share!)

Merry Christmas to all!