Yesterday was the Baldridge Family Christmas Party (and gift exchange).  Dan and I drove down at mid-day and hung out with Dad and Sally until it was time to go over to the recreation hall.

The gathering really is one of my all time favorite events every year.  This year was no exception.  There was teasing galore (aka the ghosts of Christmas parties past), camraderie, excellent food (prime rib and barbeque fixin's supplied potluck style), and just the warmth of family time.

All of the Baldridge "Boys" were there along with Candy, Donna and Jeanne filling out the "wife" contingent.  Sister Pamela was there as was Cousin Martha and her son, Matt, along with our "adopted" family members, Debra and Alan.  Almost all of the "kids" were there, too.  Deanna and Tim, Amy, Brian and June, Heather, Jason.  We missed Jay (who is out to sea right now), Matthew and Erin (Matt was sick) and Sarah and her Jason (school obligations interfered), Darrell Jr. (also on duty) and Vic--never did figure out why Vic wasn't there.  So all in all, we had about 26 people there including Dad, Sally and the "boys" mom (also one of my mothers!) Pat.

The stars of the party, of course, were all the "grands" (or great-grands depending on your perspective).  David and Avery got along famously, sharing toys and helping the adults to rip open gifts during the gift exchange.  Little Ainsley was adorable in red velvet and patent leather shoes.  It's hard to believe that the kids are now having kids and the "boys" are becoming grandparents!

Good thing Dan and I are staying so young, eh?

The gift exchange is one of those "game" exchanges where all gifts are under $25 and we draw from a pile, stealing presents from one another and getting lots of laughter out of the stealing.  This year's byword?  Fast, fast, fast!  No lollygagging about opening presents in this group!

It's been good to be back home, busily preparing Christmas presents for our trip back east and for our late Christmas with Mom, Charlie and Anya.  I've even managed to be fairly disciplined, getting in 1600 words today and over 1200 yesterday.  So the book continues to grow.

 


Comments

Sally Baldridge

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 12:58:42

I truly enjoyed myself at the annual party. It is always a fun time for me. All of the running around by the "grands" is a real treat for me, I never realized how much I missed out on being an only child. I love to watch the inner actions of the boys.

 

Laura

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 13:25:35

I was amazed at how well they shared! Just over two years old and Avery shared all of his toys with David...and David hung back a bit almost like he was waiting for Avery's permission to play with them.

I'll never forget the dinosaur roars, the "help" with unwrapping and picking gifts. How fun!

 



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