Christmas 2017

Just before Christmas...

The Carlson Christmas Tree is completely decorated and Abe had the honor of "topping" off the tree...with a little help from Mom and Dad!

 Abe added lights to his tepee.

Nice!

 Abe adorned his windows with Christmas cheer....

Beautiful artwork, Abe!

 Abe and his parents baked cookies and the decorating began...

 Such concentration.

 The best part of all..."tasting"!

Abe and Amy made just the perfect snack plate for Santa.

~Love~

Christmas Eve...

 Cassi and Pat's Crabfest is a family tradition and Cassi was in her glory cooking away in her beautifully remodeled kitchen.
Thank you for hosting, dear sister!

 Surprise announcement...

Rupa and Mike are expecting a baby and Priya is looking forward to becoming a big sister!

 A very happy expectant family...

 Brooke and her new "squirrel" hat.

They are inseparable!

Noah has that "I am on vacation" glow.

 Abe was keeping his "Reindeer Poop" safe in the bag.

Brooke and Scott's gift had him laughing, especially when he realized it was edible...chocolate.

Joe is my ultimate Santa Claus...

 Johnny and Corey are ready to host our family Christmas dinner.

Hannah has just finished up a semester of college.  I loved discussing art with this talented young woman.

 Kate and Anna make me smile.

They are both so dear to my heart...

 Kate is telling Abe that her grandson, Elliott, will be arriving soon and they can play together later in the week!

 Christy and John are such a cute couple.

Christy made the most delicious Christmas cookies...

 First course...clam chowder.

Happiness is sharing the holidays with my beloved Abe.

 Cassi gave a word of thanks for the newest member of our family who is due VERY close to my birthday!

 I love this picture!

Joe and Abe are having a staring showdown.

Brooke and Amy are happily posing.

Scott does not like the camera, but is always a good sport.

And then there is Noah....

Look at that face.

 ~The Young Man and the Crab Leg~

 This is Brooke and Scott's first Christmas as a married couple.

Back at Abe's home...

Noah and Amy have started a family tradition of giving Abe a special gift on Christmas Eve...

I can only imagine what Abe is thinking.

Christmas Morning

 One of the many joys of childhood...

Opening presents from Santa Claus.

 And there were many!

 Noah was preparing our family Christmas Brunch.

I LOVE this tradition Noah and Amy started!

 Abe was beyond busy with his gifts from Santa and Oma/Joe and Brooke and Scott.

 From Brooke and Scott...

I want one!

 Playtime with Joe...

 A family portrait of sorts...

Christmas Day

 Our family gathered once more at Johnny and Corey's home.

Missy and Scott's family decided to stay in Nashville this Christmas.

We missed them, but understood they needed some down time after a busy football season and a Bowl Game, which they won!

Brianna looked especially happy to see her cousin, Abe...

 Abe loves Keith and the adventures he plans for them.

 Abe "performed" his rendition of Jingle Bells on the piano I once played on as a child.

 Kate is the best playmate ever!

Time to get the food on the table.

Kate made the mashed potatoes.

 Johnny is a master at cooking beef...and carving it as well.

 Johnny, Kate, and Cassi put together a true Christmas Day Feast!

Oma and Mom would be so proud...

Thank you for hosting our gathering, Johnny and Corey!

 For me, life is all about family...

Especially our darling grandson, Abe!

~It was the Merriest of Christmases~