Christmas Giving With The Family And An Oops.

Our Location today is Tecumseh, Ontario, Canada.

We seem to be improving on those early mornings where we have to set the alarm to be certain that we get out of bed on time. We actually managed to sleep the entire night only to wake up naturally minutes before the alarm was set to go off. For years Kathy and I have had the tradition of getting up early on Christmas Day for the purpose of being at our daughter Karen’s home bringing fresh made Tim Horton’s coffee before her family is even out of bed. Let’s say that I’ve also become the family photographer who records the happy occasion since the time the children were babies to the present day young adults we have for grandchildren. 

Santa having a relaxing bath after a hard night.

Cute Nativity.

This morning we arrived at Karen and Greg’s by 7:30 and using our own key even surprised Sanford who thought that Santa must be making a return trip. He let out a slight growl asking who was in his domain that he wasn’t expecting but as soon as we questioned his authority we were greeted by a wagging tail and doggy kisses. 

Tyler waiting for Ashley and Derek to arrive.

Sanford had a gift of treats.

The start of the ritual was slightly delayed until Ashley would arrive with her friend Derek who is an engineering student at the University of Windsor but whose family lives in British Columbia. Since there wasn’t enough time between semesters and the costs to travel Derek didn’t go home for the holidays. Karen being the gracious hostess said he was unofficially part of the family for the holidays and we all welcomed him with open arms. Everyone was more than happy with all the gifts they received but most of all enjoyed sharing the time with one another. 

Even Derek had gifts to open.

Ashley loves her books.

Kylla needed makeup brushes.

Tyler with his first shaver.

Shortly before 9:30 we’d said our good-byes and were on our way back to the apartment to refill the backseat of the truck. Less than an hour later we were lightening the load from the truck when we arrived at our son Kevin and daughter-in-law Mellissa’s in Amherstburg. We started by letting Matthew and Cameron open the gifts we gave them and they were happy with everything they got. When it was Kevin and Melissa’s turn they were amazed at some of the things we gave them because they had been dreaming of getting them for some time. Kevin also loved the special gift that Kathy had been making up this week and can’t wait to try it out. 

Karen likes her planning calendar.

Greg likes that he got a new razor.

Sanford making certain his treats didn't get thrown out.

When we are at their home Melissa always puts out a small spread of snacks that is too tempting to resist and more filling than some meals. We also took the time to catch up on our weekly visit because we were all too busy this week to make it happen. 

Matthew likes his toiletries

Cameron loves his Chebbacca shirt.

We had a great visit but we had to cut it short because we had to get home to do some baking. You read that right! Our family won’t be celebrating our Christmas dinner together until tomorrow this year so we have time to do our baking fresh. By 3:00 we already had two cakes in the oven and we were working on two German Chocolate Pies and a Pumpkin Pie. 

Kevin opening the special gift.

Melissa likes her new spice rack.

All the baking went smoothly but when we went to start making our special Buttercream Icing that we became locally famous for we didn’t have any butter in stock. We decided to try something that we have never done before and that was to use margarine. That turned into a disaster as that added more vegetable oil and salt to the mix that changed the flavor, texture and color of the icing to a pale yellow. Not what you want for a winter themed cake. We managed to get the pies finished but will have to make fresh Buttercream Icing in the morning after the grocery stores all open. 

A light snack that kept getting bigger.

Once again Kathy and I hope that all our readers had a Merry Christmas. Thanks for following along and feel free to leave a comment. Be Safe and Enjoy!

It’s about time.

Krackers

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!