Recovering...

As much fun as Christmas was, it sure took it out of me!!  I've been recovering by relaxing and taking it easy...also playing with my new Keurig K-cup machine and my bead charm bracelet!!

No plans for New Year's...maybe I just go to sleep!!  Got some Martinelli Sparkling Cider just in case!!  Just want this week to go slowly!!!

A Wonderful Christmas!

 Maggi our beagle dog all decked out in her Christmas red dress...happily looking at the commotion as my parents and Peter arrived!

 My Mom and Dad having a great time as I played with my new Keurig coffee maker that I got from Will and his siblings.  I came back with some strong cups of coffee for them.  We also ate the Kerstkrans which is a delicious almond pastry in a light flaky crust.

 Frank having a good time...

 We also skyped with Kara...she opened her packages from Opa and Oma, and Boycat came to say hello!  Although we missed Kara being here in person, it was fun to include her in the festivities via the computer.

 Peter and his girlfriend Catherine cuddling on the chair next to the Christmas tree which had too many presents underneath to count!!  Since we open presents one at a time and take turns, it did take us a good three hours to open them all.  It's all in the anticipation and appreciation of it all!!

 Peter got his long awaited cheese knife and a big hunk of Gouda cheese as one of his many presents!

 Will was happy with his leather jacket...I hope he gets long use of it and keeps him warm!

 My Mom a.k.a. Oma was very happy with her new pair of Uggs!!!

And our Maggi doggy looking on with a happy face...she had fun inbetween some of her doggy naps!!!

So another Christmas has come and gone!!  They seem to come faster every year!!  This is one tired Santa!!!

Ready or not...It's Christmas!!

 Santa's been here already...so glad to be done with shopping and wrapping!!

 I love bringing out my Santa collection...my Oma gave me this one and just love him!

 The table is all set!  I try to do as much ahead of time so that I can enjoy the company too!

 My wedding china Lenox "Tyler."  Hey, gotta pull out the good stuff once in awhile!!

 And the St. Nicholas my late mother-in-law painted in her ceramics class...beautiful piece!

 I can't wait until we sit around the table for our feast of turkey and prime rib...it will be a tight fit with 8...not able to attend is my daughter Kara who is working hard at her job at Stanford University hospital...sure will miss her!

I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!!!  And a Happy New Year in 2012!!!

Getting into the Christmas Spirit!

 Last weekend, I joined up with Disney friends for the Boat Parade on Huntington Harbor!

 Just two of the beautiful examples of decorated boats that sailed by...

 And a very full and lovely moon!!!

 We sure had a good time with good ol' friends...

 Silliness and laughter abounded along with conversations and sharing memories!

 Oh, and let's not forget about the food...there was dinner and dessert too!

 Our hostess with the mostest is Marquise to the right!!!

 Great smiles...well, hey, we are ex-Disneyland employees, after all!

Everyone had a great time, for sure!!!  Already can't wait until next year!!

Christmas is here!

 The packages are all safely delivered under the Christmas tree...

 And Cookies are made and ready for serving...

 We watched "It's a Wonderful Life" and shed holiday tears...

 And the table is set for the anticipated dinner and cheer...

 Already we did a little Christmas unwrapping when Kara and Ben came calling...

 We shared laughter before Kara went on her Nebraska adventure...while I tried to keep her warm with cowls, gloves, and a felt hat for the upcoming cold weather...

 Maggi the doggy already stealing my slanket...

Here's wishing everyone the Merriest of Christmas...hope you get all that you're wishing for!

Christmas is almost here...

 I think I'm almost ready...my basket of completed knit and crochet items...just not quite sure who is going to get what!

 Already Santa has arrived with presents under the tree...the little helper above is guarding so that no one gets a head start.

 Ah, and my Christmas dog keeping warm under her pink baby blanket.

 Mrs. Claus was needlepointed well over 30 years ago by me.

 Christmas candles sure give a warm and cozy feeling.

 And the tree looks so festive along with the lovely live wreath giving off pine fragrance.

So ready or not, let Christmas come!