Laninga's Travel Blog

This year, daughter Tanya and hubby Shane hosted the Christmas day festivities. In attendance were (naturally) Tanya and Shane, Romola and John (Tanya’s family), Mary Allen (Shane’s mom), Robert Frost (Mary’s brother), Chris Frost (Roberts son) and his son Tyler, Robbie with Lisa, Emma and Brooke and last but not least Leanne (Shane’s aunt with daughter Jen. And of course four dogs…..

First we had Christmas brunch, Tanya’s special baked French Toast with sausage and fresh fruit. Delicious. After this we had a Dirty Santa gift exchange, seems like everyone finally got what they wanted! Then we had the general gift opening. Naturally this was followed by an extended play time with the goodies.

Mid afternoon we had smoked turkey and ham dinner. Lots of side dishes. And, of course a whole side table of deserts…

It was a really nice family day, when we could enjoy each others company and reflect on the many things we have to be thankful for.

Mary, Robert, Shane, Leanne

Robert

Mary, Brooke, Robert, Lisa, Leanne

Mary

Emma

Brooke, Robert, Shane, Lucky

Jen, Tanya, Romola

Tyler, Jen

Romola

Robbie, Emma, Mary, Brooke, Robert and fish

Emma, Mary, Robert, Shane

Robert, Shane, Leanne

Romola, Lisa

Robert, Shane

Robbie, Emma, Mary, Robert, Shane

Opening presents

Mary and Robert

Leanne, Chris, Tyler

Emma, Shane

Brooke

Emma

Carving the meat

Attentive crowd

Just a long day

The best part of the Holiday Season is family get togethers.  Once again, Tanya and Shane did an excellent job of hosting a wonderful family Christmas day.  The food was terrific, the entertainment was fun, but family togetherness was the best.

We had:  Shane and Tanya, John and Romola, Stacy and Dallas, and John and Val.  And of course all those dogs, that (thankfully) also get along together very well.  But we did tire them out!  Goes with our overeating, I guess.  Thanks to all for your being there!

Breakfast in the making

Breakfast being eaten

Tanya, directing the dog choir. Enjoyed by Randy Quaid.

Gift opening

Shane gets a (masculine?) gift bag

John, Val and Romola

Dallas and Stacy

Shane, John, Val and Romola

Lots of wrapping paper

Puzzles are getting to be an annual event

Dallas’ prime rib roast

My plate: prime rib, roasted rib, corn casserole. green bean casserole, stuffing

Group shot