Christmas with the Perry's

Well, this was Peyton's first Christmas and although he could not be here with us this year, we were with him and Brian and Heather in spirit. Before Christmas, Peyton sat on Santa's lap, saw a Christmas parade, and did lots of shopping with Mommy and Daddy. Yes, he sat on Santa's lap with cousin Tyler at Auntie Kathy's house. She must have invited Santa to come see the boys there on Thanksgiving night. They are some special kids, to have such a special visit and to have such a wonderful Auntie. Brian and Heather took Peyton to the Belmont Shore Parade in Long Beach. We used to take the boys to see this parade when they were young, but it has gotten bigger. Although it is usually cold to stand and watch, this year it was pretty warm.
Uncle John flew down to Long Beach and spent some time playing with Peyton...crawling on the floor. John spent Christmas Eve at Cyndi, David, Madeleine and Perris' home; Peyton, Brian and Heather took a long walk looking at lights; and Joe, Jody and I spent it at Ron's house. In the morning, I went over to Ron's to help he and his family make breadsticks (Caitlin makes beautiful twisty ones), and sausage (Gino and Giorgio have the scoop and squash action down pat). Our dinner was delicious as usual. After the accordion music (OK, guys next year we will have some new songs), we opened gifts. We got through in record time and then it was off to St. Gregory's for midnight mass.
Christmas was a cold day. Brian and Heather and Peyton and Joe and Jody had given me new pots and pans, so I spent part of the morning cleaning cupboards in the kitchen. Then I had to get down to the business of cooking Christmas dinner. I filled mushrooms, made a special topping to put on the salmon, and made the chicken wing appetizer dip. The table was set and everything was ready to go. Jody and her parents came by and we drove to Dad's to pick him up. Then we went up to the station to wish Joe a happy Christmas. Both Millbrae stations were going to get together to celebrate the day together. We got back home about 4:00 and started cooking in earnest. Arlene's family came over for dinner and Ron and Rick's families came over for dessert.
The next day we were able to visit with my cousin Joan and her husband Bill, and my aunt and uncle, Lala Jo and Poppy Al. We only see Joan and Bill a couple of times a year, so it is always fun to see them.
I will be spending New Years' Eve and Lala Elsa and Uncle Al's home. Jody will be with me. Joe is working and John will be in Tahoe. It is going to be a small group this year. Joe will come by New Years' Day morning and have breakfast with Jody and I. 2007 will be an exciting year for them. Aiden is going to make his appearance very soon. More about that event in the next posting.