Christmas Vacation

We are just back from Christmas vacation. It could not have been nicer. While a lot of driving, it was broken up into manageable pieces as we stopped and visited family along the way to Grand Rapids, Michigan, and back. We spent Christmas Eve weekend with Norm's mother. She and our long-time friend Annette came down, and we had some good games of Grumble Rummy. On Christmas day we went to Norm's brother Bill's. His kids, Chad and Alicia, were there for a while. Bill always makes stuffed cabbage (the best) on Christmas Day, along with pies. We played dominoes in between eating and snacking.  

Norm's mother, Gladys, Bill, Norm, and Linda

Chad, Bill, and Alicia

                  

The day after Christmas, we traveled to Avon Lake, Ohio, to spend our Christmas with Kim, Jason, Michael, and Evelyn.

Jason, Kimberly, Evelyn, and Michael

It was fun to watch Michael and Evelyn open their presents. Kim made a wonderful ham dinner, which included my favorite potatoes and fruit salad, which she and Linda just love. The following day, we traveled on to Kentwood, Michigan is stopping in Findley, Ohio, along the way. Brinkman's Turkey Farm is just outside of Findley. Brinkmann's is noted for its canned meats that many cruising boats order. We made up a case with a mixed selection, which we will sample before ordering larger quantities. 

Thomas and Grandma

Arriving at Dan and Lesli's, we were greeted by Thomas and Lesli. Thomas's initial reaction was to burst into tears. We think he was confused by the presents we were carrying. He quickly warmed to us and was a real joy. We had a great time watching him open his presents and then playing, reading, and just spending time with him, Dan, and Lesli. On Friday, we started the return trip after a failed attempt to have breakfast at Bob Evans. Thomas developed an upset stomach just before we ordered, so they could not stay.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Lesli and Daniel

We said our goodbyes inan awkward situation, and then we were off to Scott and Pamela's in Broadview Heights, Ohio.

Pamela, Scott, Sophie, and Dolly

They really surprised us with matching polo shirts and fleece jackets with the Island Packet star logo, and Ariel embroidered on them. They jointly made a wonderful turkey dinner. We got to see their pictures and hear about their recent trip to the Dominican Republic. New Year's Day, we made the return trip to our home in Massachusetts, allowing us New Year's Day to rest up and put decorations away.