Monday, December 25, 2006

Christmas Morning

The Brown stockings were so stuffed full of goodies the hooks could barely hold them.















This is our pre-Edison tree. We learned at coffee people that Thomas Edison first electrified a Christmas tree in 1892. We went back in time and didn't add any lights to our tree this year, for that matter, no one took time to decorate the tree either. Except one ornament....can you find it?















Fabulous cookies made by my friend Judy. They are the best cookies, by far. Posted by Picasa
Christmas Jammies for the Browns and new sweaters for their dogs.


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Christmas Gifts for all




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Gifts from Nathan

Pat and I love our new Crocs from Nathan. In fact, I didn't take mine off all day until we had to get ready for Christmas dinner. Of course, Joel loved his game, too .

THANK YOU NATHAN!!!

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Christmas Dinner


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Add a Person Christmas Pictures

We all met at the Benson Hotel for a wonderful Christmas dinner at the London Grill. Surprisingly, we were all color coordinated, so took lots of group pics.


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Traditional Holiday Feast:
Fruit Cocktail
Field greens with Cranberries
Choice of: Turkey, Gosling, Filet Mignon or Salmon
Choice of: Pumpkin or Pecan Pie, Yule Log or Plum Pudding Posted by Picasa

Christmas Eve

The traditional Brown Christmas Eve was held at Cheri & Dan's house. So nice to only travel a couple blocks. We had over half the Brown siblings in attendance: Debby, Cheri & Pat. Randy came after his own festivities ended. Cousin Bob and Debbie came and lots of the next generation: Debby's girls, Kristen & Kerri with hubbies Mike & John; and Kerri's boys: Christopher & Jacob. Jill & Joel, Natalie, Kathryn & Kacey were there too. As well as the matriarchs: Lois and Gloria

The gift exchange is always a hit, unfortunately some 'exchangers' weren't able to make it, but their gifts arrived anyway. Quite a variety of items, very well thought out. I think everyone was happy with their gifts. As for our family's gifts: Pat - winter golf gloves, LeAnne - cute Dooney & Bourke coin purse, Jill - purse, earrings & Starbucks card, Joel - Amazon gift certificate. Other great gifts were the items knitted by Kristen, Debby's Pilzner glasses and a variety of video games & movies among too many things to mention.

Of course, dinner was way too good: Roast Beef, scalloped potatoes, several salads and the famous 'Caramel Dumplings' for dessert. The Caramel Dumpling recipe is a Brown family legend. Pat & I have been married 25 years and this is the first time it's been served, even though I've been hearing about it all this time. It'll definitely be on the menu for years to come. Basically, it's a caramel sauce topped by sweet dumplings baked in an iron skillet in the oven and served warm with whipped cream. I think vanilla ice cream would also be a great topping.

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Girl time














The festivities began with a little beverage.
















Joel & Grandma Lois

















Kristen & Kerri


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Handsome men.
















Natalie gets something from Twist


















LeAnne & Gloria



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Bob & Debbie

















Lois' beautiful new scarf knitted by Kristen


















Katie gets into the action


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Kristen & Mike look on as Joel opens his 'scroll'.
The Claw Posted by Picasa













Jil, Jacob & Buzz