Now...Nana and Bampa's Christmas

Nana and Bampa know how to throw a Christmas morning party. They even wore their finest gowns. (I think this might be why mom gets nervous when we take her picture.) In addition to the gowns, we dined on Eggs Benedict, Mr. D's Apple Fritters, and Mrs. Ramlo's fancy pastry. After the feast, we sang Mom's favorite tunes (Silent Night, Oh Christmas Tree [German version, too], Jingle Bells, Oh Hell [Noel to everybody but Dad and Grandpa], and Oh Little Town of Bethlehem). And then there's that moment. The moment when every child under 70 looks at Nana to see if it's time yet. Thomas already has the first target selected and his finger nails are poised for ripping. Caroline's smile is beginning to make her cheeks hurt. When mom gives the go ahead, the chaos is beautiful as long as nobody loses any body parts in the ensuing frenzy.

And Lars, well, this is the passion that creates Harley dudes. If he could, he'd be dressed in leather and sporting a foot long beard. I don't think it's too great a leap from Christmas morning Big Wheels to a Hog. With the rosy cheeks and Santa hat, Lars is destined to be a first-rate elf, or maybe even a mall kiosk with his own stable of elves. It all started at Nana and Bampa's...



Chuck, Tracey and the girls doted on the Luce Goose. Charles played with her at her level, given his uncanny ability to understand the mind of children of all ages. Tracey found the Donald Duck giggle noise and conquered yet another Gunderbaby. And Erin and Ailey played long enough to remember that they don't want one until they're at least 30.












On Christmas Day, we took the assembled masses on an epic walk to Riverside Park from Erik's house while waiting for the arrival of the Chuck clan. There were voluntary face imprints left in several snowbanks but only one incident of unwanted snow exposure. We also narrowly missed Uncle Harry and Aunt Signe's SUV with a Christmas Snowball.As you can see by the picture in front of the Mississippi, it was a good, long walk, and Tessa's face tells the story of the tired voices asking "Dad, are you sure this is the shortest way?" Of course, Tessa rode most of the way, as did a sleeping Lars and Lucie, but it was still a good way to shake off the rust. The walk wasn't enough to dim the present opening enthusiasm, and Andy and Thomas found all the goods in record time. Andy is looking like a an ice rat first order. That's a good thing.










Finally, we spent Christmas night at Uncle Erik and Sofia's place for the annual Gundersen family party. Lucie made it until just before Kjeringe Med Staven, so sadly we missed the big dance. However, we had a fine time and Lucie was given her first tastes of anything other than mother's milk. What better non-milk beverage than Jim Beam? At times, Jim Beam has been a milk substitute for more than one Gundersen. In this case, it seems that a crying baby without teeth can only mean she's teething and we all know Jim Beam on the gums is the best remedy. It was a fine affair and fun seeing all the young Gundersen progeny becoming young men and women with ideas and aspirations. Amie was also able to try on her first Bunad, and despite a fine fit (as seen with niece Erin) she decided for the easy access sweater so Lucie could wash down her bourbon with a little milk.

In short, it was another fine Christmas, and even more special with our little gift in tow. We look forward to next year...