Family Ties

It's very stressful having 13 people in your house to feed and bed down comfortably.  Making sure they have enough seats at the table and in the living room is a challenge.  Annie and Eric made it look easy.  We had a cute little baby girl, grandmas, a grandpa, cousins, aunts and uncles, moms and dads under the same roof.  The massive family room came in very handy as we could all come together to gaze at the Christmas tree and enjoy the wood stove while spinning and knitting.  We could also split into the several other rooms for naps or private conversations.  There was always coffee, tea, soda pop, fresh fruit juice, Swedish Yule Glug, or other spirits available. My bed in the formal living, or VMI (Virginia Military Institute) room, had it's own fireplace.  It was tough to go home after such royal treatment!  This was a Christmas to remember.  I hope it's not another four years before we all meet together again.