Castle Mom and Dad

The last 2 years Christmas has taken on a different feel. Last year mom had just past away, and then no one could come for breakfast due to the terrible snow storm that we had. So this year was to be a big, everyone come eat do gifts and it would be great. Well it was. Almost the whole Petersen group made it up and we ate the traditional scrambled eggs, OJ, Ham and the best and the thing we wait for all year long, home made scones, honey butter and jam. It was a lot of fun. Paul ended up giving the worst gifts ever to the youngest niece and nephew, coats! Not that they were really the worst gifts, but their mom had picked them out because she wanted them for the kids and Paul was the giver who the kids looked at like "what the heck" a coat! Paul said next year he would ask the kids themselves want they want.

It was nice to visit with the family and then as everyone left, Kim and I cleaned up and got ready for the next event.

Dinner for the Hardcastle family. Everyone came and our own trickled back it at some point, they had all left after breakfast to see family on the other side. Then Mel, Justin and our bright little Hyrum came for the rest of the day and night. The evening was nice, again to eat and visit,the little cousins played Wii and the big folks sat around and visited.

Later that evening our kids finially got to open up gifts together, from each other and mom and dad. It was a very long day, but worth the wait. As usual being the one in charge, I gave my camera away so not very many photos were taken.

It is very hard to remember a Christmas with out mom, the season meant so much to her, and most of our traditions come from what she started, each family has added their own, but no matter the generation remembering fun and good times is what is important. We often lose sight of Christ in the gift giving the food the parties, being busy and all the preparation that goes into the celebration, but I know that Christ is present when in is honor family and loved ones share time together in fun, peace, harmony and remembering all who have given so much and gone on before.

Yes there is a small child in that bag, and sometimes not so small of child

Abby and Briggs get to celebrate with the family too (along with Jessica)

Jacey helping with her dad and the scone making.