Christmas/ St. Pat's Day

Been busy so I haven't had much time to update lately.

Christmas in March....hmmm...Regardless of how well we thought it would or would not work we did it anyway. Mike, Lisa, and Gabe flew in from Baltimore, Al and Karin came drove from Canby, and Nick and Lisa made a round trip from Michigan then Orange City, back to Dike. Saturday evening was the big meal mother had prepared. Prime rib, sweet potatoes, spinach casserole, broccoli cheese hot-dish, twice baked potatoes, lefse, krumkake, and possibly more. It was wonderful and prepared to perfection! After thoroughly stuffing ourselves, we got to enjoy homemade pie; the creations of Rachel. Apple pie, and pecan pie to die for. I could not have asked for better. As Rachel put it, "you might like it but Mike and Karin approved, and that's the true compliment". After the meal we sort of dropped like flies. Rachel and I headed back to her parents as the next morning was Christmas morning.

Now, Dad was somehow oblivious to the fact that we were now housing his new puppy. Mother approve and Al and Karin approved and delivered, it was now our part. We cleaned up the pup, wrapped a bow around her neck and made our entrance:

 

 At this point Dad had no clue what was going down and he assumed the dog was for Al and Karin. He didn't know they played a vital part to the plan. I went over and handed Dad his pup to which point we all learned he really didn't have a clue.

It was wonderful to have everyone there for Christmas. We shared gifts that meant something rather than was expensive. Rachel made a collage for Al and Karin of their home and pets that were lost in the fire.

I even managed to sneak in a bottle of Bailey's for my beloved Aunt!
Of the gift that came from the heart the most my father floored me personally with this one. In the fire Al and Karin lost their brown cooler. To most people this seems replaceable but there is more to it than that. It's a symbol of the Livermore clan. The Brown Cooler. They have searched hard to replace it but only the green ones are made these days. Dad boxed up what was our brown cooler, that now belongs to my Aunt and Uncle.

For those non-Livermore's or those, closely associated, you will not understand and we don't expect you to do so, but it meant a lot to me, and I know it meant more to Al and Karin.

After more gifts, including mom's entire collection of photos from Canby over the years, we spent the afternoon lounging and hanging out. We even managed to wear down the now named Ruby.

An enjoyable get together nevertheless, I would say was successful even if short-lived.



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