Optimist: December 2006

Christmas has come and gone! It was another wonderful time at the Drew and Hines houses. Santa was good, as usual. The only things missing were Mary and Dean...we missed you guys! Mom made a traditional Swedish meatball dinner...her best ever. It's also been great to see friends like Betsy and Justin. The only drawback of the Holidays is that many good friends go 'away' to visit their families, but I bet most will be back for New Year's Eve.

Here are some pictures from Christmas....

Brandon is singularly obsessed with Thomas the Train, but he was really excited about his "Eddie" puppy...looks just like Eddie!

Emily was typically sophisticated (she's only seven, but knows just how to pose).

Christmas tree at Mom and Dad's (before half the gifts arrived!)

Dad relaxing and enjoying his 76th Christmas

Decorating for Christmas is one of the year's great occasions. We pull out treasures that have been hiding in boxes for a year. We begin to anticipate vacation, presents, food, and family. It's one of several kickoffs of the season...kind of like lighting the first advent candle in Church. I did a lot of home-preparations today.

Here are some pictures of my condo so far...

Sunroom (now th

e tree room, and yes it is real)

Fireplace Mantle

Labels: Christmas Decorations

It's the best time of year, isn't it? I think I'd like to get married during the Holiday season (if that ever happens). On one hand, it would be just a small part of a busy and full time of year. On the other hand, the entire time from Thanksgiving until the New Year is full of romance, lights, music, sentimentality, family, joy, and general warm-fuzziness....sounds like a great atmosphere to celebrate anything in, doesn't it?

The Holidays are a time for the "4 F's..." food, family, friends, and Frank. My great friends Joy and Peter (married during the Holidays last year) blessed our Thanksgiving dinner this year. Jim and Chris, we missed you!

Joy and Peter