Family for Christmas Eve...

Heather and David hosted our family Christmas Eve dinner again at their home this year, where we were also joined by Heather's long-time old friend, Stephanie. While foul weather was predicted, the skies were only partly cloudy and the roads dry as we took off with a Santa's Sleigh full of packages Wednesday evening. When everyone unloaded, the tree looked as though one of Santa's toy bags had exploded in the Huertas living room! (Thoughts of the recession put briefly to rest...) Upon arrival, Grandpa and Margaret took turns occupying our tiniest, four month old Joshua. He did pretty well, just as long as we kept him in motion! (Even just passing him back and forth kept him from getting fussy.) Heather had wisely pre-fed her brood before we all arrived, so that all the "big folks", including our grown-up teen, Brandon, could share a meal of salad and lasagna at the dinner table. The little kids were unbelievably patient, waiting for their "main event" - opening presents! Auto design books for Brandon quickly grabbed his attention! The middle kids, Jonathan and Sophia, got toys, the babies, Ava and Joshua, got new outfits, and the adult-type parents found towels and bedding, all at their request. Margaret was especially pleased that the crocheted afghans made for each family were enough of a hit that the girls choose to model them for the camera! It was great to all be together as a family this year, sharing the gifts of good food, gentle teasing and laughs, and loving company. (We're still working on the videos - hope to post those before the days is out!)