We had such a wonderful time this year.  Simon, Angie and the girls finally arrived after a detour in OKC but Joshua did not come and we missed having him here. We had a lot of great food, wonderful conversation and we really enjoyed every minute.  We stayed up late talking in front of the fireplace which is something we always love to do.  We stayed so busy that we didn't even open presents until after dinner and were surprised the girls didn't protest.  Saturday night we had friends over for dinner and I made clam chowder and Ginny brought Beef Wellington.  Simon and Angie were able to be there for a few hours before going to a birthday party.  They came home and we again stayed up talking in front of the fire.  Memories were made.

Years ago we were hunting in South Dakota and wanted to find some feathers for a friend.  We went to the taxidermy store and I saw a badger pelt and said "how pretty and soft".  Driving home we saw lots of yard animals and I was joking and said "sure would love to have a badger family".  Mike was in Montana and saw a bunch of pelts and asked the guy if he had one and said he could get one.  So, guess who received it.  Me.  It is soft but has facial features and claws.  Who says Christmas is boring when you age?