Christmas 2013 has come and gone. Four happy kids were bombarded with gifts and spent the whole day playing with new toys, assembling new puzzles and reading new books.
The rest of us spent the day eating anything but healthy.
It was a very good day.
Tyler's approach to emptying his Christmas stocking was, well, amusing.
Naomi and Nana spent much of the morning side by side.
Naomi's stocking included some Party Poppers which she shot toward the camera.
Tyler watches Devon open a gift.
Naomi peeled through about a dozen layers of wrapping paper to reach her ultimate destination: A new Uno game in a can.
Oregon Beaver fan, Devon, wasted little time putting together his new Beaver puzzle.
Tyler received his own flashlight and was impressed to see how it made little lights and big lights on the ceiling.
Silas and Devon both received remote controlled helicopters.
Devon has had a reputation of saying the same thing year after year: "Oh, boy! Just what I've always wanted! A box!" So Silas got him just what he always wanted. A box. Just a box. The reaction was hilarious! Silas got him another gift as well, but his prank was well thought out and a bit prophetic. Devon actually did give the same speech this year as he was opening his empty box.
Tyler, not to be outdone by his older brothers, also got a helicopter.
Tyler checks out Silas' gift from Naomi: A football that glows in the dark.
Naomi waits her turn then opens her next gift: A Hello Kitty makeup vanity with a lighted mirror.
My brother, Dean, is a naturally gifted entertainer. Put a strange instrument in his hands and he'll figure out how to play it in no time. Plus, he can sing.
Back in the late 1970's and early 1980's, Dean lived on a tugboat that was docked at Mission Creek, which is part of San Francisco Bay. He formed a band at that time and they called themselves "The Mission Creek Band".
Dean at the helm of his home/tugboat in August 1981.
The Mission Creek Band produced one cassette tape that included several songs featuring Dean's vocals.
Jacket cover for The Mission Creek Band cassette tape.
I, being Dean's thoughtful, caring big brother, couldn't resist the opportunity to bless him with a Christmas gift this year: A remake of one of his songs, Blues In The Bottle. Sort of.
On November 10, 2010, my sister, Judy, traveled to Hawaii to visit my brother, Dean, who was living in Hilo at the time.
Dean had a weekly gig at a local rest home where he and his friends would bring their instruments and their voices to entertain the residents.
Judy accompanied Dean's group during her visit and contributed to the cause by singing I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter to a grateful audience.
Her performance was caught on video.
Judy performing live.
I, being Judy's thoughtful, caring other brother, couldn't resist the opportunity to bless her with a Christmas gift this year: A remake of her performance. Sort of.
To view the remake, click the play tab below:
To view Judy's original performance, click the play tab below:
Debra, Ashley and I drove to Woodburn today to spend Christmas with the Weathersbys. Upon arrival, the energy level was high, especially among the four youngest in the group.
We spent the evening visiting, eating, and playing games. Each of the four kids also got to open one gift before the evening ended.
Nine of us gathered in front of the tree for a family photo.
Tyler was particularly interested in pretty boxes under the tree.
All four kids were a bit amped up.
Someone noticed that Tyler was "saturated", so Bethany fixed the saturation situation.
Devon prepares to open a gift.
Devon opens his gift: A Beaver sweatshirt.
Tyler opens his gift: A new pair of pajamas.
Naomi models her new pink sweatshirt.
Silas opens his gift: A Duck sweatshirt.
Tyler tries on his new pajamas.
Tyler during one of his many Skittle feeds throughout the evening.
Four siblings finishing the day in their new attire.
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