Saturday, December 26, 2015

Christmas with the Carrinos (southern contingent)

On Thursday night, we went south to Sanford to have dinner with two of our children and four grandchildren, since their mother had to work on Christmas Eve and Day. That was her trade-off for getting 5 days off in a row so she could take her four kids on a cruise to Cozumel in mid-December. We had a very nice steak dinner; although I had chicken, and all the trimmings. It was also a celebration for my older daughter, who has just graduated with her BS in nursing, and did it summa cum laude, while working full-time and single-mothering four kids, two or three dogs (one died) and a cat (also gone now.)

Christmas Eve was our family gathering, as has been our custom since our youngest grandchild was about 8 or 9. She's now 16. We had way too much good food and it was enjoyed by all twelve of us, including one grandson's girlfriend. I didn't even try to take photos, as I am usually met by scowls and hands in front of faces. I don't know why they hate to have their pics made - since they are all very good looking people. 

Oldest granddaughter has just returned from a stay in Edinburgh, and we were all happy to see her again, safe and sound. Family gatherings are not complete when one or more is missing. This time last year, it was her sister, who was in France for a year. We are happy to have her back as well. 

Christmas morning, we had breakfast delivered, courtesy of our son-in-law, who made excellent crepes and ham. That is one of the perks of living so close to them, as we now do. The new house is still a mess; some of our stuff still needs to be moved and most of my clothing is still back there. I hope to remedy that very soon, as I am getting tired of living in a mess and having half of what I need. 

Here's hoping you all had a very Merry Christmas, filled with love and laughter, friends and family! 

4 comments:

Beverly said...

So nice you could all be together. Congratulations to your daughter. I wish for only good things for her in the days ahead. When you get settled in, let me know so I can come down to inspect your new place. Happy new year.

rosemary said...

I hope you didn't have to travel too far to get to the new place and that Moppet is settling in OK. I am jealous of your family gathering...it was just us two old goats here.

OldLady Of The Hills said...

It sounds like a lovely Christmas, dear Judy. Hoping 2016 will be a very HEALTHY and HAPPY Year for you and yours! I know you cannot wait to be all moved in to your new place! May that go smoothly, too!

sage said...

Sounds like a beautiful Christmas (and I even know where Sanford is located)!