The Nutcracker

Mike got Kendal and I tickets to see the Nutcracker Ballet in Seattle for Christmas! I'd always wanted togo and it was a dream come true for me. Thanks Mike!

Riding on the ferry to Seattle to see the ballet!

We got to McCaw Hall an hour early, so we goofed around taking pictures and having a great time!

The sets were amazing! They were done by Maurice Sendak!

Merry Christmas!

What a difference Christmas morning is, now that the kids are grown. Long gone are the days when the children would sneek out in the wee hours of the morning with anticipation to see what Santa left under the tree. Christmas now is orderly and very relaxed. We all slept in, ate breakfast and opened gifts by 11 AM. Every year has been wonderful in it's own way, and though I miss the Christmas' of old, I am thoroughly enjoying the relaxed togetherness of today♥ 

Merry Christmas!

That night, we had Christian over to join us for Christmas dinner

The next day, Grandma came over to share some dessert with us. We had a lovely time!

Christmas Eve

Kendal had the boys open the gifts she made them

The boys LOVE the hats Kendal crocheted for them!!

Christmas Boats!

On our deck, watching Santa!

Happy Hanukkah!

Having a wonderful time!

The canned food Menorah!

Judah had such a great time dancing and singing in to his "microphone"

Happy Thanksgiving!

Derrek, Mike and Kendal have their game faces on, ready for the annual Manette Ward Turkey Bowl!

Anticipating the delicious feast at Grandma's

food at last!

Lisa and Barret's son, Connor

The "kid's" table♥

Dinner was tasty as usual! Unfortunately, we gobbled that turkey right up so there were no leftovers!

Talking to Jeff and wishing him a Happy Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful day!