December 23, 2009; South King County --
 

Uncle Bob and Aunt Adelaide arrived on Monday before Christmas! To celebrate the occasion, since their schedule had not allowed them to attend the Annual pre-Christmas party posted earlier, we met with Susan & Steve, Rachel and Ruth & Paul to dine at Olive Garden in Lynnwood.

After a sumptuous dinner and a lingering visit afterwards over coffee and tea, we went our separate ways to prepare for Christmas Eve (Grumpy was "on deck" to serve at the "Midnight" Communion service) and of course there was the "last minute" shopping still to be done.

After a short night of sleep, the Grand Mother and Grumpy awoke and, after rounding up the Brazilians as well as the Resident Grandson and his Dad, 'Santa" performed his traditional task of handing out presents to those assembled.

Later on Christmas Day, Bob and Adelaide boarded the Talgo AMTRAK train for the short trip to Portland from where they would journey by auto to Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood for a week of skiing. The weather, including lots of snow and persistent cold, promises a lot of powder snow for their adventure at this fabulous ski resort.

We expect to see them return after the New Year for some more visiting. Hopefully this time they will be able to visit Amy & John and family, and James & Heidi and boys.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!!