Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve afternoon, Ali took our family picture. It was a pretty cold day and hard to not stand and shiver. I am looking forward to a family picture in warmer weather. Larry’s parents and sister Angie and Dennis and kids came for dinner which was nice. Afterwards, we got into our Christmas pajamas and read the Christmas story together. There is nothing more entertaining then watching the grandkids all play together. We passed out our Christmas book and everyone went home to spend time with there own little families, leaving just Larry, Abby and I home, waiting for Santa to come. We went to bed early and snuggled. Nice.

Jack wanted a picture with Carter

Lucy has mastered the crossed eyes

Birrell Family Christmas Party

We had our annual Birrell Family Christmas Party over at Scott and Jills. We ate too much good food, celebrated the birthdays of Betty and Joe, played the candy bar game and Funny Bones and had a great time visiting and feeling blessed for Larry's wonderful family. Thank you Scott and Jill!

Happy Birthday Joe

When Betty turned 80, everyone in the family wrote their favorite memories of her... all their kids and spouses, grandkids and great grandkids. Ever since, Joe has often stated how nice that book was. We all knew that it would bring Joe a lot of joy to have his own book. Ashlee emailed everyone and started to collect memories and photos. We presented it to him on his birthday and I don't believe he has put it down since. The lifetime of memories in their books are priceless and is where their happiness lies. We have all been so very blessed as a family guided by these two incredible people and their example of love. I look at how quickly life goes by and can only hope that Larry and I leave plenty of memories for our family and will forever be grateful that families are forever. 

A Wedding in Vegas

We took a quick trip down to Las Vegas for my niece Jennifer and Mike's wedding on 12.13.14, along with 1,000's of others brides that circled this monumental date on their calendars too. I am grateful for a loving husband that supports the important things in life by my side. Ashlee, Paul and Jack came down with us. I am so very glad we came. My nephew Matthew was there also and when I saw him, I could not stop crying. The tight, long hug felt so wonderfully comfortable. He brought his wife Heather and they are making their home in Texas. He is very happy and doing good.  I pray that Jennifer and Mike will be blessed as they begin their life together. I have missed these two. 

The next morning, we drove over to see my uncle Randy and his new wife Teresa. I really liked her and found out she has a daughter in Salt Lake. They will be up to Utah in the fall. He is my Dad's youngest brother and was my favorite uncle growing up. I had a wonderful weekend seeing my family.

Matthew

Jennifer and Matthew

Matthew and Heather

Jennifer and Mike

Jennifer with Ashlee, Paul and Jack

Ashlee in heaven at the Carlos Bakery of TV's Cake Box

Hotel time...

Uncle Randy and Teresa

Talbot Time

We love our Talbot / Birrell get togethers. Our numbers are getting bigger each time we gather. We feel grateful when the stars align and open up a window of time when most of us can get together. Tonight we had shredded beef tacos, enchiladas and we decorated sugar cookies with the little ones, along with nonstop visiting... ending with a promise not to let so much time pass until we get together again. I love this family!

Aunt Judy and Uncle Sonny

My Aunt Judy and Uncle Sonny came for a visit and we all got together for a family dinner and visit. It was wonderful to catch up on the news of our family in California and spend time with them... wish it was longer. Loved how Conrad wanted to eat dinner and stay by Sonny because they had the same name. They were able to spend the night before heading back on the road for the rest of their trip. The grandkids are still holding onto their little stuffed animals and hope they come back soon...