Wrapping up 2017

Christmas eve was peaceful and joyful. Jake, Sasha, and Patti came for ham dinner. We watched the traditional Christmas Story movie and exchanged gifts. I didn't get much baking done this year as last year nor did we get our puzzle done, it seemed time slipped away. Savannah did make cut out cookies and they were delicious.

Christmas day was quiet. I didn't feel well most the day but ended it with some fun sledding with Savannah down our hill in the back yard. The dogs had fun chasing us too. I think that was the best part of the day...it was really cold, but was also invigorating after a day of illness.

Savannah and her cute new top and hat. She sure looks like a snow bunny!

Sasha and Jake posing in the "White Front Room" on Christmas Eve, such a cute couple.

Cowboy got a "Naughty" cookie bone while Bear got a "Nice" cookie. However I must say once again Garfield thinking he is a dog ate a lot of the crumbs from the cookies too. 

See? Here is proof!!!

Michael got to spend Christmas with us this year too, it was an unexpected surprise and nice. Hopefully for him too. It was good for this mother to have everyone at home. 

Week after Christmas we got our family pictures done! Our very first in fact. I am somewhat ashamed I didn't pursue it sooner but it was always intimidating to me afraid they wouldn't turn out or not sure what we should wear. That and we weren't together a lot these past 10 years. But this day was great and we had a lot of fun! Later on we went to dinner and saw a movie with Jake's family. It was a perfect day! This is one of my favorites.

I am so excited to finally have these, and the memory of making them is special too. I am sending everyone some of the pictures out for Valentine's Day. Long overdue. I just love pictures though

Ryan's 7th birthday was earlier this month and it was fun to hear about how excited he was to get our card and to use the 3-D Spiderman glasses. I hope we'll get to see him soon.