Lakehouse Christmas

On Sunday we had our annual Lakehouse gathering. 

We had set up the tree earlier and 

cleaned out the garage so that we could set up a table in there.

A heater, a rug, mini lights and cedar boughs made it quite cozy.

We are thankful that mom and Abe could still come out this year.

They were first to arrive and mom enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere by the fire

while I was prepping food. 

Once everyone started coming 

they also came with appies and salads to share. 

Larissa came with baby Erika from Nanaimo

to see her sister, Rosalynn, who is very ill in hospital.

Families in Seattle and Indonesia and Matt in Ontario, could not come,

 so the ones here, numbered 18 adults and 14 kids.

It was crowded but no one minded!

 We can't express enough of our joy at having our 

Saskatoon family back.

 And here are most of the kids, having their own party!

I could tell this time around that they are growing up and did not need 

much adult  supervision. 

 A quick look at the folding table set up over the coffee table when it was time to eat

 and the actual dining room table ... before everyone was seated.

 I told Kari that Jack had his first Oma Cookie
and she laughed and said that she only wished it was his first!

 Mom and Abe still like to give gifts.

After dinner and while dessert was out,

each family sat with them as they opened 

what they had bought with their gift money.

Mom's attention span is waning, but she still tries to place each person. 

 What a gift for these great-grandchildren to know they are special!

There were hugs all around.

 A highlight was when Abe got out his accordion to play

Happy Birthday to Mom/Oma. 

 We stayed where we all were in the eating, sitting area, 

singing one song after another. It was spontaneous and wonderful!

 Mom was sitting by the counter in the middle, by her cake,

in her element with each song.

From Happy Birthday to Come on Ring those Bells,

to other Christmas carols and her favorite, 

"Welchen Jubel, Welche Freude!" 

(A traditional German song that she chose.)

We so appreciated this time for many reasons 

I can hardly express ..

family love, traditions, prayers for each other,

connecting and appreciating each other.

Seizing the day.