Christmas

Christmas Day Playing in the Snow Cooper Party

Jenny and David arrive in time to help trim the tree. Yes, we ran late -- this is December 22nd.

David and Roger enjoy a Wii game on the 23rd.

Lisa is now in-house (as of the 23rd) and available to play Small World.

Lisa brought an assortment of fancy cheeses with her.

Christmas Eve dinner.

Christmas Day - BUT, we were postponing until the 26th because Sarah and Chris were due to arrive in the evening. So we had one symbolic gift to open.

It was Alchemist, from Lisa, a new family game!

Lisa assembles a special dessert.

Blueberry-pineapple-jello treat by Lisa.

Trying out Alchemist at 11:30pm while waiting for Sarah and Chris.
Their flight on United had been cancelled due to the lack of a crew. Chris succeeded in getting them onto an American Airlines flight going through Chicago that would get them to Hopkins close to midnight. Unfortunately, they didn't have time to wait in line at the United counter to retrieve their checked bag, so it would come later and be delivered to the house. We were anxious to get them here before the predicted blizzard started on the 26th, and further roiled air traffic. Yes, they made it!

December 27th: Aftermath of yesterday's blizzard.

Trying out a tea flower from Chris's parents.

Lisa's One Piece pirate mug, made by Alan.

Alchemist.

Chili dinner. Keeping it simple before the big extended Cooper Family party the next day (28th).

December 29th. Alan was quick to assemble his new Lego sets.

Xwing, another new game from Lisa.

Snack time.

Spaghetti dinner with extended family.

We made foccacia bread, too.

Alan brews some specially-blended tea.

The boys enjoy some gaming after the house quiets down again.

December 30th. Jenny and David stopped by to collect goodbye hugs on their way to the airport. They were heading to New Jersey to have New Year's Eve with David's family.

More snow as we return from running to the airport. This is Deer Run, heading into Echo Hills.

The extended family group migrated to the Blatniks for the afternoon.

Alan usually prefers a quiet sofa.

Snow level on the Blatniks deck.

Back at home, Alan and Lisa blend custom tea.

December 31st. Frozen lightsabers.

Much of the larger group went for a hike down the creek and enjoyed a campfire.

Pizza for dinner.

The traditional New Year's Eve puzzle.

Happy New Year!

January 1st. Chris is an expert at making the Tumbler dance.

Lisa gets ready to hit the road for home.

January 2nd. Driving through the Brecksville Reservation.

Riverview Road.

Another New Year's puzzle completed!