HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS !!!

We kicked off the Holiday Season with our Care Group at ZIKIs,

a Japanese restaurant at the Rio... Bill kept close watch on the chef---picking up some cooking tips.

Ken is hiding behind the cook...

A wonderful evening of fellowship and fun!!

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Then the kids started arriving....

First Sam fresh from final exams...

Then fresh from Minnesota and a big snow storm...

Ethan, Grace and Gertie

brought their parents for the holidays!!!
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It didn't take long for Papa to get them all
out on a walk in the woods with Sadie!!

Thanks, Grace for taking these great pictures.

Our photographer!!!

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We had to visit the Amish market for our

Christmas meal shopping....

OH--and a few soft pretzels, too!!

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CHRISTMAS DAY!!! Checking out the Christmas stockings...Sadie helped.

Sam--a couch potato-- had his stocking delivered.

Now for the REAL gifts!!!

Look at that stash!!

Papa's a happy guy with his dog.

BRING ON THE FOOD!!!

Special guests cousin Kelcy and Michelle!

Remembering holidays together as kids!!!

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The next day everyone helped at the Soup Kitchen...

Where we served over 100 guests...

Grace, Ethan, Jessica worked hard...

While Gertie just looked cute!!!

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A day at the Smithsonian...

Gertie wasn't impressed with the new Oceans Exhibit!!

But there is always the favorite artifact...

the ancient cephalopod donated

by Great Grandpa Furnish many years ago!

Gracie's capital high!!

Jessie hangs out with her brother...

who got us hooked on some You Tube!!

Sweet Gertie and her Daddy

Ethan, the man!!

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NEW YEARS EVE!! 2009

Gertie says "Bye" to Uncle Sam as he goes party hopping.

We stay home for a little...

Mexican Train.... We celebrate by eating junk food....
and letting Ethan have all the root beer he wants!!

NEW YEARS DAY!!! John blessed us with a wonderful meal.

Beef Stroganoff with Amish beef!!!

Sam has another party to attend...

which tie should he wear???

His big sister thinks he looks pretty handsome!!

Nana gets some help making Bon Bons!!

We've got to make some to take to Panama for Abby.

Ethan is okay help....

Gertie gets a story from Papa...

She loves her Papa...

And so does Ethan!!!