Kathy's post:
David and I are spending Christmas with Matt, Julie, Genevene, Leah, Bess, Calder, Max, Atticus and Mabel the Evil Cat.
Christmas Eve:
Matt shaved off his beard and left a mustache so he and Julie could give everyone a fake mustache for a family picture. Here are some of the "takes." I'm sure this was inspired by Charlotte's birthday party.
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| David |
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| Leah |
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| Bess |
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| Kathy . . . I think I look pretty good in a mustache! |
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| Max |
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| Calder |
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| Before and After |
Christmas Day:
My goal today, Christmas, was to help Julie as much as possible with Christmas dinner and with the kids so she could play with her new Christmas toy: A Kindle Fire.
We got up early for 9AM church, showered, dressed in Sunday best, opened gifts, went to church with plenty of time to spare (amazing).
I came home from church, threw up, and have spent the rest of the day sequestered in Matt's and Julie's bedroom, sleeping on and off, and listening to the goings on. Someone always seems to throw up on Christmas, and this year it was me. So much for helping out.
I don't know if you all got Sarah's e-mail with her idea for reunion locations, but I think it's a great idea, and I'm going to use it unless someone objects. Here's an excerpt from the e-mail.
"What if we maybe scheduled our reunions at the towns where we live. Salt Lake, then the next time, Nac...I still can't spell it. :), then Grand Junction. I know it's not like going to a special place that we have never been, so maybe it's not a great idea, but it would be SO fun to have everyone here in our city. In the almost 20 years we've been married, except for our wedding, the kids' births and my book launch, no Defords have ever visited us just to be here with us. It has always been on their way from somewhere or to somewhere else or for a convention, the day after holidays or things like that."
I love the idea. I would love for all of you to see Natchitoches, such a charming town. And when it's Willie's and Sally's turn they could find a cool mountain camp or someplace. So, if you don't want to go to Salt Lake next summer, let me know. Otherwise, Salt Lake it is. Mountain walks, Lagoon, etc. And Sarah and Tyler can be "hosts" and check out places for us all to stay, and suggest interesting things to do.
Now to find a date when everyone's free. Send me your block out dates (girls camp, scout camp, Shakespeare Festival, etc.) I'd like to avoid August as much as possible because it's a really productive and busy month for me. I wish we could do it in September, but I know that's out of the question.
I'm ready to drink some water and nibble on a piece of toast. I don't dare leave Matt's and Julie's room until the missionaries and other two guests leave. They might be gone already. Not sure.
