Weather interfered with our plans to have all of the Decker kids and their families with us a week ago for a day of holiday celebration. Will's and Betsy's families had to stay put due to hazardous travel conditions. However, Rob and his family were still able to be here, and we had a wonderful time.
Before we opened gifts, Penny enjoyed playing with some of the toys we keep around for our grandchildren to play with when they visit. She discovered some old MicroMachines this time. Penny seems to like things with wheels.
One of the things we gave Eleanor for Christmas was a gadget for making friendship bracelets from embroidery yarn, beads, and such. Grandpa spent a little time helping her get started with it. I seem to have that classic Decker trait of having to hold your mouth just so when engaged in detailed activities. It helps you know!
Eleanor brought a gingerbread house kit along with her. I had never participated in making one before, but I enjoyed it and appreciate Eleanor allowing me to help. She applied her never-ending creativity to the task.
This year, we were also able to host and to enjoy a Christmas Eve dinner with some of our best friends. Kathie set a beautiful and very festive table for the event.
We had decided to exchange gifts, and they turned out to be a fun mix of light-hearted and sentimental items.
Dick received a game to play with his beloved dog, Daisy. Something like a shell game, it allows Daisy to search for a treat. Dick later posted on Facebook a short video of Daisy successfully playing the game.
David received a new "Keep Calm and Carry On" coffee mug.
Donna and Rina each got some new reading material.
I was wildly excited over one of my gifts and used the little finger lights that Kathie put at each of our dinner settings to peer into my package. Meanwhile Kathie enjoyed receiving a coffee house gift certificate.
