MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT...(AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TOO)

Since ALL OF US were only going to be TOGETHER AT THE SAME TIME on December 23...THAT became our Christmas Day. We had already purchased all the food for the feast, but then I realized that Wendy and Will would be left out of that one magnificent day because they would be COOKING and CLEANING UP for about 20 people...and that didn't seem right.

So we piled up the cars and headed for the Restaurant we sold to a nice family when I had to go to California for a couple of months last year. We were "HOGFATHER'S", AND THEY ARE "PIG FEATHERS"...and the guy we bought it from was 'SMOKIN' PIG"...so it is kinda like a family thing in a PIG sort of way.


It wasn't the normal Christmas Feast, but everyone got to be served and no one had to clean up...and even if the menu was pork (pig) or chicken (feathers)...we all were able to talk and have fun.

JOEY AND NICOLE arrived late on the 22nd so this was a great time for everyone to get to hang out with them before leaving the next day...

OK...so we sort of took over the restaurant, but no one seemed to mind as there was lots of laughter as is shown with Jordan and Lindsay marching around the place after Ben and Ean....I believe.

It was the last meal I would have with Lindsay and little Ben and Ean...with David and Sierra too and with Mother...so I was savoring it greatly.

We all had to rise before dawn...with Lindsay packing up two huge suitcases, stroller, carry ons and the kitchen sink...for traveling with two babies and taking presents home. David's car was stuffed to the gills with some of Lindsays stuff heading to Visalia...and his stuff and all the stuff they got for presents too.

Then we got hit with a BOMB. MOTHER could not find her wallet...which contained her ID...which she needed to GET ON HER FLIGHT...back to San Francisco. We were tearing the house apart looking...dumping her suitcase, then putting it all back. We were an hour late leaving for the airport and time was ticking down fast. I HAD to get LINDSAY and the BOYZ on that flight even if Mother had to spend a few more days with us until we could FIND HER WALLET or get a new ID for her...

But the Good Lord was on our side and with some quick talking and the people at the Airport HOLDING THE FLIGHT...we did a magic act of getting all the suitcases checked in (although they arrived at their destination two days late)...and both MOM (without her ID) AND LINDSAY on that flight! It was a miracle of circumstances we just can't forget.

Later that night, the WALLET appeared as Papa reclaimed his bed and found it between the sheets for some ODD REASON...but I was able to get it mailed back to MOM...and David's shaving kit mailed off to him the next day...so all ended well on that score. MOTHER!

WENDY AND WILLIAM cooked up the Christmas Ham...and all the fixings...and we all had a wonderful Dinner and conversation about our many blessings in life.

Joey and Nicole, Jordan, Papa and I took a little trip to the Bay Front for PIZZA the next day...and spent a quiet time the rest of the afternoon. Joey set up the WEBCAM Lindsay's husband gifted us with so we can see each other while we talk, he also gave David one too. I don't know why anyone would want to look at my old mug...as I don't like seeing too much of it myself...but I DO LIKE seeing my grandkids in the mix and making faces at them so they will remember me. We had that experience today...and it was hard to say good-bye after more than an hour.

THE LAST DAY before Joey and Nichole had to leave for the airport, we enjoyed a nice breakfast at "Chef's Place" together...and then, too soon...it was time to say good-bye to the youngest one as they caught their flight to Boise, ID. and Christmas was "officially over".

THE HOUSE SEEMED WAY TOO QUIET!

The children's PARK was strangely empty as the sun finally came out for three days.

THE ORNAMENTS were removed from the tree and the tree was removed from the house, everything was 'as it was' before the adventure began thanks to Wendy and Will...then Wendy, Jordan and I went on a search for 'things left behind' we still need to mail out to their owners. I found some gifts I hadn't wrapped...so they will be a nice surprise for some...as everything winds down to normal and we begin to settle in for the challenge of the coming NEW YEAR.

...BUT...mamma here is already making plans...and you know how mamma is when she makes plans.

First, there is the March adventure in Portland...and then, there will be the perfect summer weather we really do get to enjoy here on the Central Coast of Oregon.

Through all the financial crashes and crisis this past year...we still have our Motorcycles, although some would believe they should have been the first thing to be sacrificed.

SO, IT WILL BE SUMMER ON THE COAST...AND THE PERFECT SEASON FOR THE RIDE.

Hog Mama on her Trike!

Hogfather on his HOG!

Wendy and Will on their HOG

David on his HOG

... and Jim and Lindsay still with their HD Heritage...there's bound to be a RIDE this summer in there somewhere, right?

I nominate Joey and Nicole to haul all the kids in a Van behind us as we ride...just for the practice....of course!

How does THAT SOUND for GOOD Planning? Ooooh Rah!

If you have made it this far reading about our wonderful family Christmas in shameless detail ...then you are a true friend or a curious family member...maybe both!

We love you, think about you, and wish you every Blessing of your dreams and more.

Enjoy your own 'journey' through life...in the long run,

it's all we have.

God Bless You and Yours!