A CHRISTMAS WORTH REMEMBERING....

We really had a fantastic Christmas season this year. So full of family and friends it was. It started with our snowy adventure in Idyllwild. My side of the family is so spread out that we only see each other once or twice a year so we always wait with great anticipation for the annual (or biannual) gathering. We weren’t disappointed as you may have surmised by the post surrounding the big event.

Then a week or two later, it was Christmas with the Vargas’ at our house this year also guaranteed to be a fun time with all the little kids. God willing, this time next year we will have two new little babies on board. Camile (Kevin’s sister) as you will see is moving right along. Macy is due in April. Macy will have big sister Mia to look up to.

Our sister-in-law Kristie (Kevin’s brother’s wife) surprised all of us with a cute little box containing a tiny baby announcing the expectant arrival next September. That will make three for that branch of the Vargas family. With the addition of the two new babies that will make eight grandkids for Grandma Vargas.

Dinner went well. We made an orange and honey glazed ham with a big Greek salad. Grandma brought scalloped potatoes, caramel corn, peanut brittle and Seas candy. Camile brought a green bean dish and some appetizers not to mention a couple of bottles of wine and of course the sparkling cider. Kristie made a fantastic stuffing dish from a recipe she got from Oprah (they’re pretty tight I guess ;-) and Renee made “Death by Chocolate”… Enough said! Those were just the highlights. I couldn’t possibly name all of the delectable food that we somehow managed to eat in one sitting.

Well, here are some of the pics. I’ll have to add the rest later.

My adorable niece Kelsie.

Another adorable niece; Mia.

Kevin's sister Camile.

Kristie and Neil.

Kevin's sister Renee and my niece and nephew, Nick and Rachel.

Did Gavin get what he was hoping for?

Hard to tell...

Nephew Bradley.

 
Something for Rachel.

It must be a grandma thing... Aren't they cute?

New Reef's for Kev.

Brother-in-law Jan (Yon)

 

And if the blessing of family and the celebration of the birth of Christ weren't enough, the economy didn't seem to slow down too much for our family this year. iphones, Coach purses, American Girl dolls, DS and Wii Games and Lego sets with MILLIONS of tiny pieces were all shared with joy. Bath and body, Brighton jewelry and treats of every kind were also given and received. But the biggest gifts of all were the Chritmas wishes and hugs and kisses we shared with those we love.