Thousands of words!!

Somehow I did not get a "family shot" of Harry, Dawn and kids.  The new camera doesn't solve every problem does it??

But these photos do bring me joy - and lots of fun memories.

I will miss . . .

Once more the holiday season winds down to a close, and I will have a twinge or two of melancholy!  I will miss daily calls to set lots of places at the table,

 

good excuses to run to Christy's, 

 

nightly occupants in the Presidential Suite,

 

expert chefs in the kitchen,

 

seeing all our kids in one place, at one time,

 

feeding frenzy at the Grandma's Treasure Box,

 

picnics on the living room floor,

 

Phoebe's smile (she does bring the party with her),

 

football fans on the family room sofa,

 

watching Harry F. embrace a new project,

 

hearing the piano played,

 

Noah's brand of fun and cheer that he saves for certain occasions,

 

sisterly fun and love of color,

 

more than a solitary runner,

 

masquerading and tiny hats,

 

Robbie's wise and witty ways,

 

our kids' friends,

 

crowded tables,

 

silly games at family parties,

 

  

mani-pedis with the sistren at Urbane,

driving around the backyard,

 

crowds around the computer,

 

chilly  mornings at Clocker's Corner,

 

having all these special kids in one place, at one time,

 

thank goodness we aren't truly left alone here!!  (I remember the older women in Centerville, Utah, when we lived there, lamenting when their children "moved away" and didn't stay in Centerville.  I didn't understand then that even though you are delighted to see your children leave the nest and thrive in their various environments, you miss them.  So I'm glad we have Harry and family and Noah here in Monrovia and Bonny and family "just down the road a piece!!")

The first batch went home last night to Malibu, Eliza and Hannah took off this a.m., Phoebe and David will be here soon to say adieu - it's a good thing there are mountains of laundry to do, beds to make, rooms to set aright, trees to dismantle, holiday decor to pack away - and Christmas cards to finish writing!  (Not to mention gearing up for a return to "normal!")

Sidewalk of Our Stars!

Harry had a great idea to take out a strip of asphalt in front of the garage and then fill it with cement.

 

The first section had the handprints of our 4 oldest grandchildren.

 

The second section had the next four.

 

The cement took about 4 hours longer to set up than Harry had anticipated, so there was a lot of waiting.

15 waiting kids can find you trying to heat up the sun to get the cement drying faster, but the kids played and entertained themselves all afternoon. With some snacks!!

 

The last section had the last three little ones - and special spot for our sweet Baby Jonah.  Some kids were not excited about putting their hands in cement, but they were encouraged and persuaded.  

Next time you come by, come take a look-see!

Holiday Happenings!!

The best part of the holidays is having all the grandkids here!!  They are a great bunch of kids.

Christmas Day Wrap-up

Christmas morning was a quiet, lazy one for Harry and me.  We slept in until we woke up - what a treat!  We had Helen over for a late breakfast of omelets and toast.  Later we went to Harry and Dawn's for an early dinner, since Harry F. had to work again.  The Honey Baked Ham and Smoked Turkey were great - as you can see by the way Harry W. was diving into his portion!!  Marjorie and Jean did the honors - thanks ladies!!

 

 It has been fun to spend time with Dawn's brother and sister-in-law, Sean and Jean, and we will miss them.  I had a great photo of Marjorie and Helen - and accidentally deleted it.  I am not quite totally savvy with my new camera!!  Like Noah says, however, the events of the season are not over yet!

Noah joined us late - he was truly in the holiday sleeping in mode I guess!  He finally opened his presents - the ones Santa put under our tree - tonight around 8:30!!

 

Uncle Sean owns the title of "World's Best Uncle" as far at Harry W. and Porter are concerned.  He was an enthusiastic participant in the plane-flying operations.

 

Practiced a few "action" shots - and the boys quite willingly ran around for me!!

 

Eve enjoyed being active for me too!

 

Miss Isla kept right on being charming!  Something she does so well!

 

And another Christmas joins the history books - we are truly blessed.  And looking forward to seeing everyone this weekend!!  We enjoyed a Skype visit with Phoebe and family this morning - and followed Bonny and Bruce on their snowy drive up to Mammoth - apparently a "white knuckle" drive part of the time.  Assuming Eliza and Hannah had a good day too - Eliza undoubtedly enjoyed a snow day too!

On to Boxing Day!!