Christmas 2010 - Decorating the Tree

It started out like this - sort of a tree puzzle

Thanks to Jessica, the tree soon began to take shape.

Later, Danielle and Naomi came over with their Dad and Mom to help decorate our tree.

Danielle has inherited some of Naomi's penchant for moving furniture.

Naomi always is very busy and works hard to involve everybody.

Eventually, we got around to decorating the tree. Naomi showed great taste.

Danielle and her Dad took a more studied approach.

But she did her part, too.

At last, the time came to put the crowning touch on the tree.

How To Get Into A Chair - by Danielle

Merry Christmas Tea Setting

Thanks to Jessica, we have a beautiful new teapot and tea and other tasty treats!

Thanks, Jessica!

Julie's Big Birthday - After the Surprise

Once the Three-Fold-Surprise was over, the next order of business was SHOPPING!

While all the ladies were shopping, Danielle and John and Christopher played with Pa.

Pa also helped with wardrobe matters.

Christopher had big fun in the crawling tunnel. Er, make that 'scooting tunnel'.

John is the quickest tunnel crawler of all.

Finally, the November Birthday Girls posed for the traditional photo.

Only this time, because of the auspicious occasion, Julie got to wear the Queen of Birthdays crown.

Ta-daaa!!

Late that night, after the kiddos were snug in their beds, the adults got to go out and enjoy a fine dinner. Thanks, Becky!

Julie's Big Birthday - Surprise 3

While Julie, Jessica and Mom were shopping, Jenny, Danielle and Pa went to Olive Garden and waited.

By this time, Julie was getting a bit used to surprises, so it wasn't quite as big a shock. But she was really glad Jenny had come.

After lunch, while Danielle explored the restaurant...

Julie had her Olive Garden birthday cake - with decade candles. (And, thankfully, without the hokey waiters-birthday-chant.)

Julie's Big Birthday - Surprise 2

Meantime, Jessica was waiting in the chair in the dog den.

As we chatted, Julie walked in not expecting this:

We went to Chili's for lunch.

When Tony and the boys came home they weren't quite as surprised.

That evening we all had a quiet supper together.

Julie's Big Birthday - Surprise 1

We got there while Julie was picking up Keats from doggie camp.

We waited...

When Julie drove up, Mom went outside to surprise her so she wouldn't freak out if she opened the door and people were inside.

Julie said "I wondered where this car came from."

She was surprised...

...and happy.

The Twelve Days of Christmas (Cake)

On the First Day of Christmas, we received a lovely cake!

On the Second Day of Christmas, we ate a yummy slice!

On the Third Day of Christmas, already half was gone!

On the Fourth Day of Christmas, we still had quite a bit!

On the Fifth Day of Christmas, we're down to just a slice!

On the Sixth Day of Christmas, we only had a bite!

On the Seventh Day of Christmas, we saw it's going fast!

On the Eighth Day of Christmas, how long can it go?

On the Ninth Day of Christmas, it's running very low!

On the Tenth Day of Christmas, we still had half a speck!

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas, now there's just a fleck!

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas, alas! There was no more!

IT WAS WONDERFUL!! Thank you, Kate V.!

Aunt Margaret's 85th Birthday Party

Aunt Margaret's kids - Paula, Wally and Bill - planned up a surprise party for her 85th birthday.

Aunt Gertie and Uncle Bob came from Huntsville.

Gertie and Edwina planned out their route to visit Grandad Martin tomorrow.

Edwina and Diana May came from Houston.

Here is Aunt Margaret (second row, second from left) surrounded by relatives.

A Visit From Naomi and Danielle

Danielle and Naomi came over to spend the evening. We made some playdoh cookies.

We layed around.

We watched videos under the big blanket.

We dressed up fancy for a party. (The vaporizer was a special guest.)

We ate bread in the tub. (That doesn't work very well.)

Great GrandDad

We went to see a vestibular balance doctor at UT Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. GrandDad did some hearing and balance testing, and was a star pupil.

We got back home in time to get a salad to go with his frozen soup for dinner.

Next time, we get to see Patty, the Vestibular Balance Rehab Expert of the World.