Christmas In July

Because of the Winter roads, we decided to have our family gather for Christmas In July.  Last year, 2015 was the first.  This year we will all be together on July 16, 2016.  Jocelyn is 3 now.  She is, of course, the delight of the family.

I hope they can all make it.  Sometimes they can't.  Everyone is older now and you know, have their own lives to live.  Some go to Mexico to help in orphanages, some go to Nepal.  Most work as teachers so they have the summers off.

The television music station plays Christmas in July music,  which I make sure is on and playing for them when they arrive.  Last year we had some decorations up and a small tree.  This year less, but still some.  Last year I worked for weeks fixing favorite dishes and freezing them only to be disappointed when the day arrived, so am not doing that again.  Matt, who teaches here now, has promised to help me with the cooking.  I am not doing much, really I'm not.  He plans to help fix pepperoni rolls....traditions are hard to break...it seems.


July of 2017 we took everyone to MiCafe and each ordered what sounded good.  It was easier on me.  Back in the condo opening presents and having fun just talking and laughing together was wonderful.  I am just so happy they all still enjoy each other's company enough to want to do that.

Dale took over all the planning and we started with Pizza in the Park on Friday eve.  It was cold and windy, but we cut the watermelon and smiled, consumed most of the pizzas and hurried back to the house.  Jocelyn is 4 now and I think her favorite present was a dress Summer....costume really...brought back from Mexico, or maybe it was Nepal.  Brianna couldn't be with us again.  She was off to Peru for an 18-month job.  Chelsey joined us for the first time.  She and Matt are engaged and planning a September 2018 wedding.   Growing Family for sure!