Thursday, December 31, 2015

Christmas in Grand Rapids

Saturday we headed to Grand Rapids for our Christmas with my family.  Eva has a wonderful house for all of us to gather. 
 Erik and Lara came in from Cape Cod.  Matt, Diana and the girls came up from Tennessee and Jessica and Doug drove in from nearby Grand Rapids.
We gathered for dinner that evening and began our time of catching up on each others activities. 
 Sunday morning started with a great breakfast before presents. However this little one found her present a little early.  It is a cute little 'stool' that she can climb in and watch what is going on in the kitchen.  I think she liked it. 
 The grandchildren gathered around the presents. 
 They read the Christmas story with Gram.
 And the present giving and receiving began.  Erik received some accessories for his truck. 
 This sweet little one received a tea set from Gram.  She LOVES to play pretend and I had several cups of wonderful tea this past weekend. 
 I bought her a little pull toy.  I love to shop for little ones at the Ann Arbor Art Fair. 
 After presents a puzzle was put out on the coffee table.  This is just the first one that was completed this weekend.
 Leo drove over from Coleman. He and Erik had some great talks in the kitchen and many of us watched a little football.
 Eva had lots of help making Matt's birthday treat.  He turned 41 on Christmas day.  Everyone requests this fantastic dessert that Eva calls "Death by Chocolate"  and it lives up to its title. 
 The birthday celebration was a success. 
 Monday we were scheduled to go up to the Powers' lodge in Fremont but the weather would NOT cooperate.  Instead we stayed in town and found a great place nearby to go for a morning walk.  That was a good decision since the rain, snow and ice made the roads difficult in the afternoon and evening 
 They couldn't resist a 'selfie'
 And this cute family is expecting a new one in about 6 weeks.  A little boy will round out this wonderful family.  I am looking forward to meeting him soon.
 Another and MUCH more difficult puzzle came out and this group managed to find out that a puzzle with the title of Beach Glass is really quite hard but they CAN overcome any difficulties and accomplish the goal of completion.
Wednesday was travel and clean up day  Matt and Diana left by 9:00 and the rest of us stayed behind to help Eva take down some of her Christmas decorations.  Gram was babysitting so any extra help she could get was welcomed.  Erik and Lara left later and then Bud and I headed home. 

It was a wonderful time with family.  I am blessed with two great families, one here in TC and another that meets in GR to celebrate holidays at Eva's help.  I appreciate the blessings of family and this wonderful country where I live and enjoy the love and joy of my life. 

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