Christmas is for Family

Last night the kiddos and I went to see my Dad and Grandma B for our family Christmas dinner. There isn’t usually a big crowd, just my Dad, my brother and me. My sister and my other brother live out-of-state so they are off the hook for family things. So I was surprised to find out earlier on Saturday that my brother wouldn’t be joining us. My Dad is handled best when he is out-numbered. So I went solo with the kiddos against my loving, but insane father. I didn’t even have Big Daddy to support me since he was at the state high school 5A championship. So to my siblings and hubby…you all owe me!

Grandma B has her house decorated and ready for Christmas.

We had a lovely dinner. Grandma B had candles lit and the table looked really nice. Of course a few of my kiddos spent the whole meal trying to blow the candles out…like they didn’t think we would notice. I must say open flames and dinner isn’t a common occurrence at my house.

After dinner we went outside and made s’mores. It wouldn’t be dinner at my Dad’s without s’mores at the fire pit.

Looking back I think there was a little too much fire last night. Maybe they are pyromaniacs?

Since we won’t be here for Christmas Grandma B pulled out the Christmas gifts for the kiddos.

Here is Poppa Willie and Grandma B with the kiddos.

My brother and his wife that live here did show up for a little visit later…not long enough to make up for leaving me alone so long.

At least we did have this lovely lady to celebrate with.

I am not sure how long Grandma B has had her, but she has always freaked my kids out. The first Christmas after my Dad and Grandma B got married Einstein was only 10 months old and the first time he saw this lady he lost it. The picture doesn’t really do her justice…she moves.

So I had to get a picture of the kiddos with her.

I had to include these 2 bad pictures. Notice that Ham won’t take his eyes off the freaky lady. I didn’t think he would ever look at the camera.

After we left we drove around the retirement community where they live to see all the lights and decorations. And considering the average age in the community is about 200 years old they really have their houses decorated. Of course I didn’t take any pictures.

 

As a postscript so I don’t get rude comments…I love my Dad with all my heart. We have been through a lot. My teenage years were pretty bad and we have had some bumpy spots when he remarried, but he is my Dad and I don’t know what I would do without him. It’s comforting to know that he is always there when I have a problem or question. I may not agree with his advice, but I know he is there for me. But it doesn’t change the fact that he is insane. Loveable, but insane.