The holidays

Brian, Heather, Peyton and Kamdyn arrived about 12:30 am on Christmas Eve. After a family flag football game, the guys came home and got ready for the biggest event of the year: Christmas Eve at Uncle Ron and Auntie Colleen's. The kids had napped, the food had been prepared, the presents were wrapped... As is our tradition and always supported by Ron...our family will gather at 1102 Palm every Christmas Eve...you are always invited. He starts off by planning a meal making day where whoever can make it can come and help prepare the Christmas Eve fare. The lasagne were good and all a little different: we had Philippina lasagne, wheat, lasagne, and even one monagrammed with Rick;s initials. Before dinner, we had the annual Christmas prayer by Giorgio and a welcome from our host. AFter dinner, the kids (Brian to Andrew) reprised the play that they did 16 years ago. Then Mary and Joseph were 4 and 5, but everyone kept their same roles. We added a few more roles for the little ones who all played sheep and angels. It was hilarious (a very dramatic Angel Gabriel, a french sounding Joseph, shepherds who were keeping warm by drinking beer on their watch, and kings who brought more practical gifts like diaper bags and camera bags instead of gold, franchinsense and myhr (sp)). After the play and a quick song led by Colleen, we were greeted by Santa (aka Uncle John). He was a bigger hit than the last couple of years, but only for Peytin, Tyler and Haylee. Then the presents were distributed. Reminded my of my childhood Christmas Eves. The presents were all wonderful and thoughtful, but the one that stands out is the Millbrae Fire sweatshirt...why, you say, we all have several. Well, Ron had "Nono, always remembered" put on all of our shirts between the axes and on the little ones, it says "Ollie's angels"....special. After a quick dessert and cleanup, we were off to midnight mass. It was a special night for all.