Christmas Eve

This year we celebrated at the Speer home for the second year in a row.  The food was superb, the gifts were thoughtful, and the people were loving and generous. It was a year to be remembered always!

Everyone arrived at 1:30, dressed in their finest.  We enjoyed Aunt Carla's swedish meatballs, Uncle Phil's spicy artichoke dip, and Gene's cinnamon-sugar sparklers.  

Gabby and Kaleb bounced off the walls for a short while, as they were terribly excited to see everyone, and they had been forced to remain calm for the last few hours, in their holiday best.  As everyone puttered around and chatted, Kaia and Gran went down for a little snooze, in the ever-so-soft new blankets Gammy had presented to Kaia and Gabby (soft throws are a very important aspect of Gam and Gamps house).  Gran played some peek-a-boo with Kaleb and Penny later, and Kaia told jokes for awhile.

 When the dinner bell tolled, we all joined hands around the two tables and Gene said a poignant and eloquent blessing for the food and we plopped down to FEAST!  We started with some amazing red wines, and the cassousle, which was phenomenal.  Gammy went out on a limb, with that dish, and her instincts were right on.  It was beautiful and comforting, and so well done.  Then came the Beef Roulade with a sourdough, blue cheese, chandrelle mushrooms, and fresh herb stuffing (made with organic, grass feed flank steak), made by Gene.  To complement that dynamic dish, came the root vegetable mash, Aunt carla's green salad (pomogranates, candied pecans, feta, homemade vinegarette), Uncle T's homegrown roasted winter squash medley, rolls, and Aunt Carla's Lefse! It was such a delicious and wholesome meal. We enjoyed great conversation around the table as usual.  The big cousins really treated Heather by hosting the Yonemoto children at their table, and supervising them.  The youngsters enjoyed the candlelight and the sparkling cider.  

We hopped right into the gift exchange after dinner.  The gifts went from youngest to oldest as follows;

1. Glenda gave Penny and Kaleb a stuffed toy and a truck, as they weren't included in the homemade gift exchange.

2. Gabby received a tie-a-dyed t-shirt and dress, a friendship bracelet, and a beaded necklace from Cousin Megan.

3. Kaia received a hand painted canvas tote from Uncle Omar, and shrieked "Sa-weet!"

4. Max received a serenade from Gene, accompanied by Uncle Jeff.  The Max Adcock Song video footage is to be posted shortly. Halarious, creative, and sounded amazing!

5. Leeann received a Giants World Series scrapbook handcrafted by Aunt Carla.

 

6. Erik received a hand cut, custom designed stained glass piece with the letter E and a golf club and ball from Leeann. Very cool!

7. Megan received a Customized Mix CD, created by Erik.

8. Uncle T received a framed photo of Kaleb, Peaches, and Himself, from Jan.

9. Heather received a hand crafted wooden box, made by Uncle Phil. Truly a masterpiece.

10. Gene received his gift a week prior, as he needed it for his worship band.  Jeff gave Gene's acoustic guitar an electric pickup; a well needed skill that only Jeff could provide.

11. Uncle Omar received a mosaic stepping stone, with "Adcock" designed on it, from Gabby. She really enjoyed making it.

12. Aunt Carla received a decopauge planting pot, stamped with family names and concepts from Heather.

13. Uncle Phil received dry soup mixes put together by Trevmatic.

14. Gammy received a poem written and recited by Kaia. I should post that too.

15. Jeff may possibly have received the coolest gift of all time, from Max.  An Altoid Guitar! That actually works!  With a red velvet lined box and a custom label that says "Big Al's Guitars"!!!

What a hit! Homemade gifts are the only way to go.  So much love, thought, and time went into each and every gift.  It was so special to have every person use their own quirks, skills, and creative talents to show that they love their family.  I mean, how much talent does shopping require??  

After gifts, some of us went for a walk, as we usually like to do.  We enjoyed strolling by candlelight, as we were guided by paper bag lumineries that lined several blocks in the neighborhood.  When we got home, we had some coffee and red velvet cake (made by Heather...not terribly thrilling). Everyone packed up around 8:30.