Christmas 2014

     This week, around Jan.20th, we (mainly Jim) got around to getting the Christmas decorations put away. We enjoy the 'love and glow' of the season so much, it is kind of hard psychologically to be motivated to get the house back to normal. It was an especially nice Christmas since we had everyone together .

passing out the presents

Everyone in their places and ready to begin.

Can't go wrong with games and cooking supplies for this group :-)

   I did want to get one good group photo of the boys....much to their dismay. For some reason it is always an ordeal to get a good pic of all 4 at the same time.

First, a location needs to be decided on. I preferred outside, but the pool room was chosen. I like taking pictures.....but lighting is still a 'weak' area for me.

Trying to get light settings figured out.

Hmmm, in front of the pool table with the back light does not work!

They look pretty good, but the large 'light/glare ball' is a bit distracting.

This was a good one of all 4.....but photographer goofed/moved while taking it :-(

 Now almost all interest in cooperating is lost, but I keep trying :-)

Phillip showing us his drumming skills or doing the Peacock Spider's dance.

 I wasn't happy with the setting and was able to convince them to relocate outside.

Phewww, after at least 15 pics and an hour later, I have a photo I am happy with :-)

   A visit to Mom's/Milford was enjoyed by everyone.

Ongoing crossword puzzles were worked on...

All entries made by pen....no pencils for them!

 sometimes singly

Looking up  the spelling of a Country....Kyrgyzstan.

 other times, by groups.

By the end of the visit, they were all finished :-)

Pen worked....but if it was me; I would have used a pencil. Of course there would have been many more 'correction changes' needed if I was involved :-)

   When we come to visit, this table gets pulled out to the center of the room and extra leaves are added for game playing and eating. I took this picture....

Table almost ready for game playing

 and Geoffrey took this one. When I first glanced at this pic I thought," I don't remember standing on a chair to take a photo." Then, I saw that I was in the pic!!

 Geoffrey had taken my camera and snapped some pics. It's amazing how much a few inches of height changes the whole point of view!!

He's only a bit taller than me :-)

Electronic Labyrinth...one of my favorite games

Trying out my new game 'Carcassonne'

My type of game...making paths,cities,etc.

 In between games we just kind of hang out together....

reading

Electronic games

crafts and electronic games

synchronized yawning :-)

 It seems like Mom's instrument selection keeps getting larger.

 Trying out her newest addition :-)

 The instruments are not collecting dust, they are played and we do enjoy our 'recitals'. Here, we are getting in one more session before we leave!