Christmas Day Family Time

On Christmas Day, the Family Gathers in San Gabriel

 L to R: Doug from NYC, Priya from Texas, Richard, Pris, Annie, Joel from Texas, Oli, Jesse.

Missing from the picture is Mary and little Isabella, from NYC, who returned to 

the hotel for Isabella's happie nappie.

(Above) Pris, Annie, Joel, Oli, Jesse, Richard

(Above) Jack, Annie, Joel, Oli, Jesse

Having a huge laugh over pictures on my Mini iPad, of the Thanksgiving "mock" Scottish games in WA State, with all in their Scottish Skene tartans, and Alli and Doug 

doing a caber toss, wood splitting and rock throw!  Who knew we had all that talent?  :)





 

Christmas Eve Brunch

Family favorites came for brunch at Sarducci’s at the Train Depot.

Just in time!  We're ready now.

THANKSGIVING, BAINBRIDGE ISLAND,WA and GATHERING OF THE SKENE CLAN

How nice it is that everyone still gathers to display the clan plaid.  That's Richard and me sitting on the red bench, and my two "children" are Alli, who is nearest to me, and Doug at the far right.  Mary (next to Doug) were married at Skene Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and their little girl, Isabella, is sitting in Ben's lap and Ben is sitting next to Sam, both of whome are Alli's children.  Her husband had to work, and even though we missed him, we are thankful for his service in the Navy.

In her inimitable fashion, many "Scottish" activities were devised, starting with hugging their prized rooster, who is the son of the original rooster who is also on duty in the chicken pen.

 Some "caber" tossing by brother and sister.

Some laying up of wood for the winter.

 Finally, a sweet little Princess for the family to enjoy.

What else is there to toss?  Ahhh, some good-sized rocks!

 These two have been friends all their lives, with only 23 months between them.

Ben's wheelbarrow was put to good use as a "chariot" for our little Princess.  Mary had gone inside the house for a little warmth.

OPENING CEREMONIES OF THANKSGIVING WEEK

THE NYC, CA, AND WA FAMILIES AND FRIENDS GATHER IN WA IN 2013

Hoops, kids, food, campfire, and adults = memories galore.  In the foreground is Dave, the daddy of the WA home, and husband of my daughter Alli who is chief organizer of activities.  This photo also includes their two boys, Sam at left, and Ben holding a basketball.  Just beyond Ben is Mary's mom who was able to fly up from the LA area!

Doug (my son) and Mary's sweetie found angel wings at a local shop, and felt right at home wearing them.

Mary and her 1 1/2 year old "fairy" on one of the  trails which heads through an area that's quickly becoming an RV pad for gramma (me) and Grandpa Richard.  At the right is a bull dozer (I think that's what it is) that's doing the heavy lifting of the project.

BUILDING THE RV PAD

Ooops, it's a bit blurry, but it shows that first a cute, but dilapidated shed needed to be removed, along with lots of brush and some trees.  Then came grading, leveling, and deliveries of gravel.

The RV pad is nearly completed, with a stone wall to the left, and behind the camera, along the driveway.  See all that wood on the left?  Alli moved that stack from the area that's now an RV pad, over to the left and masterfully stacked it, with the help of two young guys, Sam and Ben.

GUIDED FISHING TRIP

Huge thanks to Doug and Alli who searched for, and sponsored an amazing fishing trip from Bainbridge Island to a salmon "nest" near Whidbey Island-- a first for Alli and me to ever do.  

A pretty sure bet!

Verrrrry nice, Doug!  Alli?  I guess she's pretty impressed!  :)

It's a biggie for Alli, who is strong, but a little help was a blessing!

Yes, indeed, there was a reason for getting a little help!  

The final count.  I wasn't fishing, just loving taking pictures. You make the guess at who caught TWO salmon!  It was getting hard to smile -- my finger was about to break off from the weight.

 Doug grabbed this picture.  Tossing the entrails in the water attracted a plethora of seagulls who fought for every morsel.