After mom and dad picked up grandma and granddaddy, the oyster stew filled bowls again.  That is a tradition with my mom’s family, so we started out the day with a bowl of that—and my aunt Kathy brought in another cheese ball so I didn’t have to reshape mine!  The rest of us ate on cheese and veggie platters and various little un-uns until present time.

Above, Malena shows off her new DS to Grandma.  On the side, Audrey and Matt partake in an old holiday tradition Martha reminded me of, nut cracking.  With buckets of nuts at Costco, I never have ‘real’ nuts, but my MIL grabbed a few bags and bought me a nutcracker before Christmas.  I had more people come in and sit to do that, sharing fond memories of their own childhood.  That was my surprise! 

With tables in two rooms people found their way to a seat to enjoy dinner.  We had ham, roast beast, rolls, green bean almondine, brussel sprouts, mashed potatoes, dressing, and deviled eggs.  Something for everyone...well, except Cade.  He had frosted flakes.

As the day came to a close, we gathered around the fireplace for a family photo.  It was a wonderful Christmas at our house.  The faces change through the years, but the spirit of giving, feasting and family remain.

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