Christmas Festivities

On Christmas Eve we went to my Aunt Sally, Uncle Bob, and Cousin Christy's house and had Christmas Eve dinner with the extended family (on my Dad's side). It was fun to catch up with everyone, and dinner was scrumptious. I am seriously hooked on that Costco broccoli salad (with the cashews and raisins). My aunt made a yummy spinach salad, and we also had green beans, ham, tri-tip, homemade buns, and mashed potatoes. I had three helpings of the broccoli salad and three buns (carbs are obviously my weakness). I topped off the meal with some of my cousin's sugar cookies with chocolate and toffee chunks and my aunt's brownies. My uncle also made a really impressive four(?)-layer chocolate cake. And of course there was plenty of wine to wash everything down.

The Family Picture:


Cousin Evan, Brother Aaron, and I with Grandma Marion:


The Cousins (I put my frumpy cardigan on after I realized my shirt was see-through in the pics!):


Cliff arrived at noon on Christmas, so we enjoyed some wine and snacks in the afternoon and then had our traditional prime rib Christmas dinner. My mom does an amazing job. We enjoyed prime rib (cooked perfectly!), twice-baked potatoes, green jello, rolls, green beans, and Christmas cookies.

Family Photo Time:


The lovely ladies (my Grandma Esther stayed with us over Christmas):


We moved the regular Christmas morning activities to the 26th. It worked out well to have the champagne brunch and prime rib dinner on different days. Once again, my mom made a fantastic meal... egg casserole, creamed spinach, fruit salad, and bread (pumpkin & cranberry). There were even frozen fresh strawberries for our champagne. After brunch, we took a few more photos and opened presents.

Spousal Christmas Photo:


Another Family Christmas Portrait:


Christmas Gangsta':