Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve Josh and I got to spend some time with my extended family. I so love spending Christmas Eve with them; ever since I was a little girl, it was the one time of the year I could see aunts, uncles & cousins that are scattered around the state. While there were pieces of the family that were missing, I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to see those that were here. My Aunt Jeri, for instance, I hadn’t seen in probably 8 years. I wasn’t expecting her to be here this year, and when we saw each other for the first time, we hugged and hugged for so long. I got a little teary, and I think she did too.

I think I might have gotten my love of food from my Dad’s side of the family. We know how to cook. We know how to eat. And there was plenty of yummy finger food to go around tonight.

Little Olivia made these snazzy little roll-ups with pickled asparagus and ham and cream cheese. She was very careful to separate those with cream cheese and those without with a tidy line of carrots in the middle. Way to go Olivia! I applaud your organization!

My G’ma & G’pa brought a platter of a whole smoked salmon with lots of veggies as well as my G’ma’s traditional crab-stuffed mushrooms (she buys whole King crab legs, cracks ‘em and goes from there. No cutting corners here.) For those of us that may not appreciate mushrooms, she makes a big bowl of the filling to go with crackers. It’s to die for.

My Aunt Jeri brought these spicy meatballs with a chipotle barbecue sauce – so good!! I’m usually not a big meatball fan, but I really dug these.

There were all sorts of other goodies… cheese fondue, platters of crackers and cheese and olives and pickles, lots of sweets (my Aunt Katy makes the most wonderful peanut butter fudge and blondie bars) and of course all the things Josh and I brought. It was more than enough food to put on your plate.

We spent the evening eating, talking, playing Punto (an Italian card game my Aunt Katy introduced to the family), and just enjoying each other’s company. Riley is developing quite the gift for photography, and he had fun using our camera to document the evening; a few of the photos posted here were taken by him!

So much good food….

My G’ma connecting with Phil, Rachel’s boyfriend.

My Cute Boy with my sister Rachel.

Uncle Jim, Aunt Katy, and me having a very animated conversation with Olivia.

Three generations; G’pa, Uncle Brad, his son Riley and my brother Jon.

G’pa preparing food.

My beautiful G’ma.

My Aunt Jeri. Right after I took this picture she broke out in a huge smile; but that shot turned out blurry! It’s okay, she looks quite regal in this one. :)

Brad and Katy. Too cute.

Uncle Brad.

My beautiful Joshua.

G’ma connecting with Rachel.

Riley concentrating…

An unsuspecting little brother.

Little Olivia!

My Aunt Katy; bubbly, sassy, full of life. This picture captures her perfectly.

Punto!

Aunt Jeri & Uncle Jim.

G’pa being contemplative.

This is how I often see my brother. I love that genuine, hearty laugh.

Larry Bird is very much a part of the Woods’ family culture.

Need I say more?

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