Nanny's Christmas

I hosted our "3rd Annual Nanny's Christmas Party" at my house this past weekend. For years my grandmother did this every Christmas Eve at her house. Now she has past the reins to me, and I am so honored. My party should never be compared to Nanny's...she really did it up great. Growing up having our Christmas' at Nanny's is a childhood memory I am so thankful to have. We were all little boys and little girls, and now we are all men and women with families of our own. The crowd isn't nearly as big as back in day, but with each year, it gets larger. Our extended family is gigantic and with all of us having our own obligations, like the block parties, school functions, that thing called work, etc., it is nearly impossible for all of us to get together at the same time. But, this year the crowd was more than last, and who knows, next year could be bigger.

Ward made is almost famous chili. This was all his idea, and by every body's reaction, this will perhaps become a tradition. Everyone brought a dish that somehow, everyone loved. We had a lot of food, but hardly any left overs. (i must confess, I stashed ME a bowl of chili for later.) Kathy I never did find Nanny's famous fudge you were looking for I wonder who gobbled it up?

Audrey was on her best behavior, I think because my cousins little boy Aiden, not yet two, was in full swing. He is the cutest thing, and appears to be on a mission with every step he takes. He is truly a boy. He fell, he climbed, he slid, he banged his head and never cried the first tear. I heard my sister say to my cousin Chris, "You don't have to worry about him not being able to fend for himself...he is tough." That he is. He finally tired out and fell asleep in Audrey's bed.

Dummy me, I left my camera at the office, and was in a complete panic, but thankfully Mary Catherine had hers and snapped some pretty good pictures of everyone. I should have my camera surgically attached to my side somehow.

We had the best time this year. We ate a lot, we laughed a million laughs, we heard the same stories again, and enjoyed watching Nanny open her presents. The party came to an end, and I must say, I was kind of sad. I wasn't ready for everyone to go home. I'm already thinking of things to do next year.

Merry Christmas to all of my wonderful family. I am so blessed to have you in my life. I love all of you so very much.