Holidays in 2007 were a time for traditions. I have a theory about that. I think traditions originated with old folks, like us, who discovered their memories were not improving with age. They had to repeat everything several times before it would stay put in the ol' noggin. To put a positive spin on the effects of senility creeping into their lives, they came up with "traditions." Works for me.
One tradition involves Meredith and Firemann collaborating on krumkakke making. This year's product was mighty good, as usual.
The Heinles and Bill Vukelic family [except for Brian who got stranded in Chicago] joined us for Christmas. Above, Jenna and her fiance Colt, work with Reed to prepare some goodies.
Neil looks on as the young 'uns played Apples and Oranges.
Then it was time for the infamous gift exchange. Franci checks out a package that eventually ended up in my office as my Mom looks on.
Franni and Jason check out the balancing wine bottle holder Bill got as his present.
The next night, we had my Mom and Pam's Dad over for more food and gifts. Firemann is showing off his coffee mug with rosemaling decorations. Both of these octogenarians are full-blooded Norskies.
Meredith helps Reed put together a Strawberry Shortcake puzzle. Each year, Pam looks for some Strawberry Shortcake memorabilia because, in his younger days, Reed could not go to sleep without his Strawberry Shortcake doll nestled close to him. One day, he was despondent because the doll was lost! He could not be consoled until Pam luckily found an identical doll in beautiful, downtown Mott and brought it home. Later, we found the original Strawberry Shortcake zipped up inside the vacuum cleaner where Reed evidently had placed her for safekeeping. I think that memory thing must be genetic.
One frosty day shortly after Christmas, I saw this statue on the capitol grounds just begging to have its photo taken. Have a great new year!
