Pre-Christmas Gathering

'Twas the night before, the night before, Christmas. Our family is so large now and spread out, I asked the girls if we could meet with the little ones before Christmas, so we got together tonight.
Lacey and Dean met us at Amanda and Keith's home. We visited and even talked to Shannon on Skype for an hour. Kristen had to work, so we missed her a bunch.


Lacey, Amanda, Dean and Ryder.


This stocking played music. After this we met up with Brandon and his work Christmas party at a restaurant in Seal Beach. Roy Jr. joined us. We had a terrific meal and lots of fun. There were about 15 or more people.

This is a funny 3 minute video of Dean and Ryder dancing. Kids make me laugh, they are too cute.

Merry Christmas to all, I hope you enjoy your families.

Kathy

CHRISTMAS CRAWL V

This year marked our Fifth Community Christmas Crawl, and it was better than ever. The crawl consists of good friends, lots of booze, and tasty food; in that order. Brandie and Joni hosted the first stop with a full selection of holiday cheer and appetizers.

Patrick and Justin, wearing matching sport coats, Neil, Cathy and her nutcracker crunk cup.

Lori in the center with her mom on the right and Beverly on the left. It looks like mom just did a jello shooter!!

Here's the Britt Family, Neil, Stephanie, Rondi and grizzly Sean. Notice the little faces in the background (Cathy and Patrick).

Neil and Pete wearing their matching Santa beards.

Tim and myself, he's looking much fancier than I, with his gold holiday necklace.

Ron, Matt and Kelley, telling tall tales.

Carl with Brian, Betty and Teresa.

Brandie and Lori - having fun.

The bar was a very popular place.

There's Joni on the couch, wearing her flashing necklace.

Carol, Nancy and Yvonne all in their Christmas sweaters.

Nooooo - Carl with a bottle of Jack Daniels????

Pete and Carl.

Hi guys!

Cathy, Justin and Tim wearing clothes right from the '80's.

Teresa was styling in her "jeggings" and boots.

Me and Teresa.

Next stop (and last stop) - the Britt house. As we entered the door, Neil took our pictures in front of the custom wall. Brian, Nancy, Yvonne, Carol and Pete. At this house we had dinner and dessert and more holiday cheer. Everyone brought sweets, chile and salad, and our hosts made roast beef and potatoes and more. The house was decorated festively.

Brian and Betty.

Sisters!

Here's Neil, the photographer. Tonight he gave us our pictures from last year. Such a great idea.

The bowling team getting organized for their photo.

Brian and Pete.

Awww, aren't we cute?? A minute just after that shot I was firing off some f-bombs, but no big deal. I may have scared a couple of the men. It was the Moonshine, provided by Pete.

I had a huge time, did not follow my planned alcohol restriction, had a jello shooter to start off and ended the night with lemon Moonshine. It took 'til noon on Sunday for the drunk to wear off. But, I sure had fun. Thank you to our hosts and to all of my good friends, it's an honor to party with you.

Merry Christmas,

Kathy

Second Week in New Zealand

Shannon is just starting the job search process. She looks so cute in her interview outfit.

On Thursday we spent the day in Auckland (downtown), had lunch at the Sky Tower. There was a humongous Christmas Tree in the center of the lobby. The Sky Tower is similar to the Space Needle, with a gambling casino. A big tourist spot.

Outside, looking up at the tower, there was a car mounted to the side of it. This gives you an idea of how huge the tower is.

I felt like taking a stroll around the city, but Shannon wasn't up for it, so we walked one block.

Next we headed to the Botanic Gardens, south of the city. I had been there twice before on my other trips here, but now the flowers are all in full bloom.

The gardens are located on many acres of land (?not sure how many) with lakes and paths.

Skinny-Minny

We sat in the building for a while perfecting our camera adjustments. After the gardens we went to Craig and Mel's to stay with Ruby while they attended a Christmas party.

Shannon entered her art in a show where all pieces measured 10 x 10. Her's is the little robot to the right of her. On Friday we planned for and shopped for the party on Saturday. We stopped by the exhibit on our way to shop.

It's a great idea for an exhibit.

me

On Friday night we met Alina and Tom for Indian food. Grant makes it a point to screw up pictures, so I'm posting this one anyway, because Shannon and I look alright.

Tom and Alina. It was so good to meet Tom and to see Alina again.

Saturday the party started at 3 pm, we prepared all day for it. Made potato salad, salsa, margarita mix, guacamole.

Dinner was great, hamburgers and salads. Peter, Rebecca and Sybilla and Mel, Craig and Ruby all came and brought goodies for the meal. We had such a great time. Carl joined us for a time on Skype. The guys got to chat with him.

R U B Y !

Today is Sunday and we are getting ready to take the ferry to Rangitoto Island to do some hiking. I hope I make it. Photos to follow.

Kathy