Helmut's Birthday

 Helmut is 63 today!

 Tony loves my camera!

Helmut opens Tony and Tabby's gift first...different kinds of sausage. He's pretty excited.

He then opens the thermal underwear he asked for.
 

Now he's working on the alarm clock, the "Dream Machine" which also plays "sleep" sound of nature: rain, the ocean, a waterfall, birds, and underwater.
 

Carla and Mike gave him a photo of Helmut with his girls (from the wedding) and slippers.

Gramma and Grampa gave him a really neat book about the Mark in Europe. It has real coins in it. Dad made out pretty good this year.

Dad opens one of his Portland gifts.

Dad plays with one of his Portland gifts...

Happy Birthday, Helmut!

Christmas Morning

 Our Christmas tree was fabulous!

First things first, find the Christmas pickle. Tony was the lucky one.

 Mike thought his gift was a football but it was really beef jerkey.

 Renee and Brian had a special seat, right next to the Christmas tree.

 Carla gave me a beautiful photo mug, calendar, and journal which moved me close to tears. Renee's gift pushed me over the edge. I loved everything.

 My photo cubes from Renee and Brian.

My journal and photo cup from Carla and Mike.

 

Tony and Tabby were happy with the memory foam bathroom mat. It was really neat.

 

Mike and Paul are waiting...

 

Regen opened her own gift. She loved the Kong. 

 

  

 Carla and Mile open one of their gifts.

 

Dad turned back into a little kid. It was great!

Regen is getting pretty good at opening presents.

 

Needless to say, a good time was had by all!!

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve at the Close...

 The evening would not be complete without Renee and Brian (and Olive, of course). Gramma and Grampa skyped with them to open presents. They were thrilled.

I think Regen has had enough Christmas cheer for one evening.

 

Nothing rounds out the evening than a little Christmas music...

A good time was had by all!

Opening the Presents, Christmas Eve...

 After a wonderful Christmas dinner, we prepared for the opening of the gifts.

 Regen is checking out our stash.

 

 

Carla played Santa Claus (I think it was the big belly) and began handing out the gifts.

 Dad received a really nice belt from Gramma and pa.

 Gramma and grampa gave Tabby a set of beautiful earrings and a necklace. She put the necklace on immediately.

Tony also received a really cool belt.

 Grampa opening Tony and Tabby's present.

 Gramma loved all of her gifts.

 Dad opened a really nice shirt...two pockets!

 Mike got a great sweater.

 Tony said he was getting a little tired of the camera.

Whatever...

 Time for dessert, super delicious of course.

Helmut's take on my camera skills...