Christmas 2016

Pre-Christmas Prep Christmas Day Group Pictures Extended Family Parties Medieval Fashion

Princess House Puzzles Marshmallow Monsters Snow

Corned beef dinner on the 25th: an easy meal when making three trips to the airport to pick up arriving family. Jenny & David were already here, having driven in from NJ earlier in the week; Lisa arrived at CLE at 3:35pm, Mother's flight came in at 5pm, and Sarah, Chris, and Nayla flew in at 7:35pm.

Nayla's here! Some videos featuring Nayla: video 1 and video 2 and video 3.

The ballpit was set up in our bedroom, so Nayla had to visit it periodically.

Glen put up the fence to make a large play area in the living room for Nayla and anyone else who wanted to join her.

Santa's elves at work.

Christmas Day was celebrated on the 26th in our household, since most participants flew in on the 25th. Click here for those pictures.

Afternoon games before going over to Sentinel for extended family time.

Freys, Blatniks, and our Cooper contingent gathered at the house on Sentinel for a casual chili dinner and nostalgia on the night of the 27th. Then we had our big Extended Family Party at the Blatniks home on the 28th. Those pictures are here.

More games that night.

Lisa introduced Nayla to Teletubbies and she liked them.

Nayla likes popcorn, just like Grandma.

Sarah is a snowman!

The Freys and Laurie & Rudy came over on the 29th to participate in creating marshmallow monsters. And for dinner. Click here for those pics.

Jenny and David had to drive back to NJ on the 30th, but took time for a few activities before hitting the road, such as Star Wars Carcassonne.

A round of Dominion in which I delighted David and dismayed Lisa by actually using the card that allows me to take an extra turn using her hand.

Hitting the road...

Sarah and Chris treated the whole group to dinner out at The Courtyard in Brecksville.

The blanket Lisa made for Nayla.

Out-of-this-World Dad t-shirt customized by Lisa, complete with pocket for glasses.

No More Monkeys Jumping on the Bed. Custom shirt by Lisa for Nayla.

Nayla is practicing gymnastics.

Ta-Da! one foot in the air!

The gate at the top of the basement stairs.

Checking in with GreatGrandmother.

Getting ready for New Year's Eve.

Nayla thought the stars went better on herself than Mom.

Sarah and Alan decided to do some baking. They used Alan's new pan (thanks, Aunt Wendy!) to make sugar cookie cups, and then filled them with mousse.

Mother surprised us with emoji-themed chocolates.

and a few more Nayla videos: video 4 and video 5 and video 6.

More popcorn.

Sarah & Chris's luggage for the return trip. Nayla does not travel light.

The Leons at the airport on January 1st, heading home.

A birthday celebration for Alan and Anne since we have January birthdays coming up.