Christmas Eve

Mel and I began our morning very early - 4:10 a.m. to be exact.  The 3 younger grandkids had slept in our room. 
This shadow loomed over me, gave me a kiss and told me that Grandpop and I were the "bestest grandparents in the world".  Wow! What a compliment!  It was Jett.  I told him thank you.  He laid down for a little while then stood up by the bed and told me he would be our "guard-dog" while we slept. Again I thanked him for watching over us.  A short time later he is by the bed for the 3rd time and tells me he needs to go potty.  Ok, that's fine.  He goes into the bathroom, turns on all the lights, flushes the toilet and then the lid slams down, comes back in to lay down again.  Now we hear 2 other giggles so Emma and McKaylea are awake.  All 3 jump on our bed and are ready to begin the morning.  Mel and I are too at this point.  Examples like this are what make special memories!

After enjoying coffee, it was time to begin preparations for the Christmas Eve Get-Together for the extended Bradford Family.  I had good helpers - Mat and Jake moved the tables in for me and then Emma, McKaylea and Jett decorated them for me.

Family arrived so it was time to eat.  So many goodies and finger food to enjoy!

Time for the annual "Grammy and kids, grandkids and great-grandkids pictures". 
This was the first time since 2006 that all the grandkids and greats were together at Christmas Eve when the annual pictures are made.

Grammy with the grandkids and great-grandkids

As she calls them, "The Grands and The Greats".

Who knows what was said in this pose!

Grammy with "The Greats"

Grammy with "The Grands"

Grammy with "The Kids "

3 Generations Together

How very blessed with family, fun and special memories!!!

The Eve of Christmas Eve

Our immediate family got together the Eve of Christmas Eve to have fun together and do stockings.  Since our trip in January to The Great Wolf Lodge is our Christmas, we just do stockings at Christmas.  The girls and their families arrived and we just enjoyed a good time of being together. 
Of course, food is always a big part of our get-together.  We had Elliott Nachos, ball park style nachos and a delicious cheese dip that Amberlea prepared.  Dessert would be devoured later.

The girls in the kitchen visiting and preparing nachos

The guys visiting and waiting for the food

After eating Santa Mel made an appearance.  His "Ho Ho Ho" got the grandkids attention!  The grandkids were thrilled!

Santa Mel had done his own shopping so everyone was eagerly awaiting what he would pull out of his Santa sack.

One of Grandpop's embellished stories

The girls and guys enjoyed the fun and the kids' reactions to Santa Mel

Emma and McKaylea received a "Magic 8 Ball".  You are to ask it a question and it gives you an answer.  Also each received a birdhouse that they can paint.

Mathew, Jacob and Jett received camouflage hats and a pocket knife.

Jett was so proud to be included with the "big boys" in getting the knife!

Proud Grandpop and Grandmom with their 5 special blessings

After Santa Mel the kids opened their stockings.

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Even the "big kids" had stockings!

After retiring his Santa hat until its return next year, Mel opened his gifts.

After stockings and gifts, it was time for chocolate cheesecake fondue - Yum! Yum!

Kids are playing, guys are watching TV, the girls have time to "catch-up".

Christmas - the time to be with family, enjoy the love we have for each other and for those special memories and fun times.
Most of all, we remember the birth of  Jesus.  God showed us His love for us by sending His Son, our Saviour - the reason for the season.

The Woods Family in Transit

Bryan, Melodi and kids moved from Kansas to Texas.  We enjoyed their overnight stay here in their going from one state to another. 

Visiting Grammy

Grammy greeting everyone at the door

Enjoying Crockpot Candy

I just love Mat's expression!

Grammy and McKaylea

Emma and Jake

Emma and Grammy

Barn Time
Checking out the chickens in the indoor chicken pen

Emma opening a can of cat food for the barn cats

Feeding the barn cats and Grandpop explaining something

Looking at the new horse shed

It was good to have the Woods Family here even if it was just overnight.  They would be returning for Christmas and later see them at The Great Wolf Lodge.