Christmas with the Sollis'

Christmas Day was spent with the Sollis side of the family. We started out with Debbie's world-famous breakfast. We always look forward to going to her house every other year. It was great to spend time with the Muirs. I especially enjoyed hearing about every one's work Christmas parties. Ahhhh, the humor of drunken professionals...it's just so entertaining.

We went back to the Sollis' house later that afternoon to open gifts with all Jeff's siblings. My favorite gift, by far, was the beautiful chicken wall hanging that was passed down to me. I can't believe that Larry and Marlene would entrust me with this:

This will definitely have a prominent place in our home. (Ask me sometime about the story surrounding this work of art, it's pretty comical.)

After gifts we headed to Grandpa J's to meet back up with the Muirs and have dinner. I always love being at Jeff's grandparents. It was a particularly tender night as it was the first holiday without Jeff's grandma. We all miss her dearly. I think just below the happy Christmas atmosphere most of us were a little bit melancholy thinking of Grandma. This was apparent as Jenny read the dedication Nicole wrote for the family cookbook everyone received.

"For each of us the phrase 'family dinner' brings a different memory to mind, probably more than one. Pot roast, mashed potatoes, noodles, stew, fajitas, board games, ball games, mind games, conversations, debates, arguments. While we all enjoy the food, the time around the table is less about eating, and more about fellowship. A means of reconnecting with those we care about the most. Over a simple dinner important stuff happens. Relationships are realigned, the news of the week is exchanged, and outings, vacations,weddings, and funerals are planned. More importantly, memories are made. The family dinner exemplifies who we are, and where we came from.

This collection of family recipes is dedicated to Melba Jones Wright, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, may your tradition of 'Sunday Dinners' continue for generations to come"

Thank you, Nicole, for writing that introduction and putting the cookbook together. It is a treasure to us.

Anna had such a fun time with her cousins. She especially loves Tanner. He's all we hear about when he's not around. I also loved seeing Riser (15 months), Anna (21 months), and Tanner (27 months) all lined up by each other. Amazingly there is only about an inch of difference one way or another between the three of them. So funny!

Ethan, Riser, Tanner, and Anna testing out the Christmas goods.

Grandpa J holding the Wright family calendar.