Fun in December

We spent Christmas morning with the Schnell's and had a wonderful brunch at our house.  Peter & Kaija had a very nice young man, Helge, staying with them from Germany and he joined in the celebration.

We headed out to San Jose on December 26th to spend a couple days with all the kids & grandkids.  We celebrated Christmas at Rae's house.  Michele, Matthew & Lauren came out from Arizona, Jan was there too, so we were all together... lots of fun.

The kids were bouncing off the walls with their new Buzz Lightyears that Santa brought to them because they were such good little kids all year long (that's the story and I'm sticking to it!!!  hee-hee-hee).  Joey actually got his for his birthday and Lizzy & Charlie were SO happy to get their own Buzz.

Here we are with our 5 grandkids.  Matthew is way taller than us... the kid is growing like a weed!!

Here's the gang from left to right:

Jimmy, Michele, Mike, Jessica, Matthew, Pami, Rae, Joey, Hank, Kathy

Front: Lizzy, Charlie, Lauren

Opening presents was nothing less than CRAZY!!!!!  The kids couldn't open their gifts fast enough.  I think I missed half of the gifts being opened because there was so much going on... LOL!!

We also celebrated Pami's birthday as well as mine.  Of course my dear children got this "Geezer Crossing" card for me... they love rubbing it in!

Joey was trying out his new 'tools'... isn't he just the cutest!!

Papa, Lauren, Vovo & Matthew.  The next day we had fun with the kids by taking them out to lunch and a movie.

We had a painting done of Codi and it turned out GREAT... it looks just like her.  Everyone that knew Codi says the painting really captures her expression and are very impressed with the artist, as are we.  We have it hanging in our family room so she can be with us every day.  (There is a glare from the glass).

Here is the photograph that the artist used to paint Codi.

 

Here I am creating in my craft room.  Below are a few more cards I've made.

I just love this girly "purse" card.

This card is amazing.  I made it as an anniversary card for my sister.  As you pull the tab, a new photo folds out and finally the Happy Anniversary message inside on the pull tab.

(I was not able to turn this picture... this software has a mind of it's own!!)

Here's a video so you can see how it works.