Christmas Has Come And Gone...

I always feel a little sad when it's time to take the Christmas tree down and put the decorations away.  Darren and I did this yesterday, a nice (??) way to spend New Years Day...

Christmas was great this year, full of time with family, just the way I like it.  On the 23rd, we had the annual King fondue at Grandma and Grandpa's place.  For the past few years, someone has had the job of creating a game to play after dinner.  This year, Uncle Steve and Aunt Sharon tackled the feet with great success!  The game involved creating movie titles for very interesting plot lines... Some of the favourite titles were "Deck the Halls with Father O'Malley", "Pimpin' Menorahs" and a nice subtitle of "Season's Beatings".  A very creative (& quirky) family we are.  This was also when we had our short visit with Meghan (Dave's girlfriend).  It was quite nice, though we will miss her when she leaves for Bolivia (for a year!) next week... Have a great time!

On the 24th, after singing at mass, I rushed over to G & G's again, to have "pick around" with everyone.  It's a great meal, and an excellent time to have a little of everything from Smoked Oysters to Pickled Herring to Spanikopita.  Yes... wordly we are!  There is also some tame food like ham, and rolls and cheeses and such.  This year was especially enjoyable because my second youngest cousin Emma is at prime Christmas age... We read "The Night Before Christmas" together after she hung up everyone's stockings by the fireplace. 

When we went back to Mom & Gene's, Darren got Guitar Hero all set up on the Playstation.  I guess he and my

brothers (& other groomsmen) played it the night before our wedding, and Dave and Brad were anxious to play again.  Here are a few pictures of the results:

When we got up in the morning, Santa had visited and there were stuffed stockings and many presents under the tree!  Darren and I gave Michael stuffed Winnie the Pooh and Eeyore and this was his first gift to unwrap.  He received them with great delight and an exclamation of what I gather was "POOOOOH!!!!!!". 

Darren was equally excited when he got Guitar Hero II, though I must say, I was more anxious to be able to play it with him!  So of course, following some DELICIOUS cinnamon buns (my mom is awesome!), we got out BOTH guitars and there was a great deal of rockin' out.

Later, mom hosted dinner for sixteen in her basement.  Needless to say, I gained back a minor amount of the weight I have lost recently, but the food was fabulous!  We were very greatful to have our families there, including Darren's parents.  After dinner, I enjoyed some time with my youngest cousins on the floor!

I hope everyone else had a happy and wonderful Christmas!