We left Phoenix in heavy rain, with clouds creeping over the mountains.
I haven't flown in quite a while, it hasn't gotten to be much more fun, but perhaps that was because we were doing it with millions of other people in various festive moods..... Actually the flight was fine, smooth and on time. The weather in Spokane was cold but dry. Jesse, Erin and little Annabelle picked us up at the airport, it was wonderful to see them all again.
So, Christmas 2023....
Food was made and consumed, wine and milk were (was?) drunk (drank? drunked? drunken?).
Christmas crackers were cracked, and the resulting silly hats and adornments were worn and played with.
Stories of Christmas past were shared, missing people remembered with laughter and tears......
Football was watched, we were watched, a new puzzle was puzzled, the fireplace was enjoyed. A sudden bath may have been needed......
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Hopefully you did not mix up who got the milk and who got the wine! Sorry you are not feeling well, but I loved seeing all the pictures, especially the lab!
ReplyDeleteWe were very careful not to mix up the bottles! Molly is a special lab for sure, glad you liked her pictures!
DeleteSorry your weather was so bad going both ways. Awesome photo of the clouds rolling over mountains. Love, love all the Annabelle photos. She seems to love her new big girl toys:) Her "ooo" expression when she sees the one gift being opened is so precious. Nice to see Jesse and Erin. Molly is too sweet:) I don't remember the kitty's name but good to see his/her appearance. Glad to see you were finally able to feel well enough to put out o blog. Hope this means you are on the mend!!! Take care:)
ReplyDeleteJesse offered her each present and she helped open each one with great excitement and much concentration. Dexter (the cat) is always part of whatever is going on, even if you don't always see him right away.
DeleteSo sorry you caught a bug--travel is good for giving us those bugs! Your Christmas was a perfect one--Annabelle is so sweet and Dave looks mighty comfortable holding her! I'm kind of grumpy/sad right now too--holidays are over, Emmi is gone, but I will get over it I'm sure! Hope you are feeling better soon!
ReplyDeleteThe holidays are wonderful (yours looked cozy and fun) but when they're over it's always a little let down. This year all the more for you and Mike. Next year will be better.
DeleteGreat photos of the family, but again Annabelle just lights up those pictures! Happy New Year, to all !!!
ReplyDeleteshe really does, doesn't she! Happy New Year to you and Fran.
DeleteOh phooey, I'm so sorry you're sick. Not a fun way to start the new year. (We're still recovering from stupid covid, and still not 100%, so I really hope that isn't what got you.) Since you were able to write a blog (and a delightful one, at that!) I'm assuming you're on the mend. Your Christmas looks like it was sweet and fun. Annabelle, of course, is the star of the show, but it's wonderful to see everyone else! At least I got to see your ponytail peeking out from the blanket. Love to you both, and may this year bring all good things your way.
ReplyDeleteI hoped to hear that you two were up and out again, sorry you're not. Well, Covid found Dave and I just in time for the New Year - oh joy...... At least we had a nice Christmas! We wish you two all the best, all the things you want and deserve, in this New Year!
DeleteA storybook Christmas for sure Sue! Annabelle is adorable and always so engaged with all of you. Loved Molly all wrapped up and Dexter peeking out from this and that and Dave’s crown and adornments are way fun (I’m stealing that idea…👍). Such wonderful memories and sweet Annabelle’s first Christmas. Hope you are feeling better soon!
ReplyDeleteMolly and Dexter always want to be "part" of whatever is going on, and they are always included. After all, they were part of the family before Annabelle arrived! We were so happy to be there for her first Christmas, and she seemed to enjoy herself fully! Those paper hats are ridiculous, but a good laugh shared by everyone, is always good, right?
DeleteYour last picture of Annabelle is outstanding. So sorry that you're both down with the plague, it's a terrible end to a wonderful Christmas. Referring back to the photo with Dave wearing the crown, I'm looking at the ceiling. Did that come with the house or was it installed? The millwork everywhere is really beautiful.
ReplyDeleteGood eye Allison....the millwork in that house is really something to see! It was there when they moved in and they've added to it as they grow.
DeletePretty weird to see that picture of Sky Harbor with clouds pouring over the hills, Tucson looked pretty much the same on that day. Always odd to see weather like that here in the desert. Sorry the human mailing tube made you guys sick. Heal!! Your new family member is so cute it hurts me, she looks like a happy little rascal.
ReplyDeleteyou're so sweet Jim.....
DeleteWhat a delightful Christmas filled with all the most important things. Annabelle's expressions are priceless, as are the food bowl stand-off buddies! Love the kitchen catch of all the family. Happy New Year - I hope it is by now :-))
ReplyDeleteShe is very expressive to be sure, we can hardly wait til she can speak words! We may be in for it then! The standoff was over the water bowl actually. It lasted quite a while, both Molly and Dexter are very patient.
DeleteThe only good thing about your plague is that you got it after both big vacations, but sorry the new year rang your bell instead of the other way around! Your Christmas looks about as perfect as it could be with the best gifts of all -- loved ones, sweet pets, laughter. Since my comments are always "late," here's hoping you're well on your way to a healthy 2024!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Joodie, we're very glad it descended upon us after we got home. I'll send your wishes right back to you......here's hoping you're well on your way to a healthy 2024!
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