Christmas 2008: Connecticut continued

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Just remember, squirrels are cute. And determined. Here is one eating at Mom's squirrel proof feeder.

Gray squirrel hanging from a squirrel-proof bird feeder in a snowy yard

And a picture of the decorations at her house:

Living room decorated for Christmas with a tree, garlanded mantel, snowmen, and holiday decorations

The next day, we went up to Laura's for the big meal and a Yankee Swap.

The 2nd newest member of the family is Remi, Tiff and Matt's Brown Lab. I didn't get any good pictures of Remi; the dog was not inclined to pause for a photo op! Here is a not very good picture, along with Skyla. Skyla was playing Stair Ball with Paul. Skyla will do this for hours, as long as you are willing. Paul humored her for a while. You throw the ball up, Skyla catches it, she releases it so it goes bouncing down the stairs back to you. You throw the ball up, she catches it & sends it down the stairs back to you, You throw ...

Black-and-white dog bringing a tennis ball down the stairs while a brown lab stands behind

Man sitting on the carpet and smiling during the family gathering

Here are the main architects of the meal.

Three women working together in the kitchen while preparing the holiday meal

Check out the lovely Christmas cake Fallyn decorated.

Christmas tree-shaped cake decorated with green frosting and candy ornaments on a metal platter

The Yankee Swap gifts, ready for action.

Wrapped Christmas gifts arranged on top of an upright piano with holiday decorations

There wasn't a lot of gift swapping this year.

Four family members seated on a couch while one woman opens a gift from a tissue box-style package

Somehow Paul ended up with a set that suited him so perfectly.

Man smiling while modeling a blue hat and a large white mitten from the Yankee Swap

(Of course, I have confiscated those from him. The blue hat is now my 'sewing hat' that I wear in my cool sewing room.)

Two young adults seated on a couch while opening a colorful board game gift as others watch

Woman opening a gift and holding a pink piggy bank while family members sit around her

A 'formal portriat'

Seven family members posing together in the living room for a formal portrait

Here are some pictures from our annual Olive Oil Tasting. Uncle Danny, Aunt Tina, Uncle Gene, Aunt Jean, Bobby, Mom, Paul, & Anne are the main participants. The supplies are mostly from Salumeria Italiana and Tutto Italiano (the location we went to has since closed).

Elderly couple seated together at the dining table during Christmas dinner

Christmas dinner table set with bread, wine bottles, glasses, and wrapped wine bottle

Family members gathered around the dining table during the olive oil tasting

Three family members seated together at the dining table during the olive oil tasting

Family seated around the dining table while one man raises a glass of red wine

Here is a picture with Debi and Laura, who joined us later in the day.

Large family group seated around the dining table after the meal

Updated March 2026