The 
holidays were spelled FAMILY for the Dennis Porter Family. That is F (fun), A (anticipation–Every time Bryson, Analyse, Jentrie, and Carden came over, Analyse could give an exact count of when Santa would be coming.), M (memories in the making), I (imagination), L (love), Y (yearning for more).
When I refer to family, I am referring to our four children, their perfect spouses, and terrific grandchildren. For a few activities we were all together–for a few of the activities a few were missing (and greatly missed).
holidays were spelled FAMILY for the Dennis Porter Family. That is F (fun), A (anticipation–Every time Bryson, Analyse, Jentrie, and Carden came over, Analyse could give an exact count of when Santa would be coming.), M (memories in the making), I (imagination), L (love), Y (yearning for more).When I refer to family, I am referring to our four children, their perfect spouses, and terrific grandchildren. For a few activities we were all together–for a few of the activities a few were missing (and greatly missed).
The holiday season began with Thanksgiving. Everyone contributed to a perfect meal and lots of fun. The little ones had their own special table and decor. Bryson did a great job reading off the thankful feathers everyone had composed. The little girls decorated the turkey with the feathers. Two days prior to Thanksgiving, Trent and Sarah announced that their new addition will be a little boy–he’ll be arriving in April. Woo! Hoo!
That evening we kept up Momma Joyce’s tradition of putting up the Christmas tree. With everyone assisting, it was wonderful and it was beautiful. Each child looked for their special ornaments–sure hope they all fit on the tree in future years. Laneah loved setting out the little teddy bears.
The day after Thanksgiving Trent helped clean some boxes up in the garage. I found the box of Sarah's old dance costumes. That started the dress up fun for the little girls:
Between the special sealing of Evan, Cindee, Peyton, and Kaylee (We’re so glad we got to be a part of it) and a Kurt Bestor weekend, the second weekend of December was very active.
Sunday dinners with the family were so much fun, enlightening too. That’s where Sissy explained to us that when you are in Primary, you get treats in class on Slow Sundays–just not on Fast ones. Somehow Trever or Carah can always be found at the sink doing the Sunday dishes! WOW! After one of those dinners, Carden worked extra hard on his walking. He’s watched everyone run around and wants to be a part of the action.
Sunday dinners with the family were so much fun, enlightening too. That’s where Sissy explained to us that when you are in Primary, you get treats in class on Slow Sundays–just not on Fast ones. Somehow Trever or Carah can always be found at the sink doing the Sunday dishes! WOW! After one of those dinners, Carden worked extra hard on his walking. He’s watched everyone run around and wants to be a part of the action.
When it came time for Christmas, things simply moved too fast. Christmas Eve we loved spending with the Gary Porter clan. Everyone brought yummy food–I think I’m still wearing it! We played a game of family feud–but it was more like family fun. The kids ha
d lots of activities. What a terrific tradition! What a terrific family to have as cousins!
Christmas Eve Brandon, Danielle, and Laneah stayed with us. They made for a very memorable Christmas morning. A child is what Christmas is all about. I loved calling Laneah “Cinderella” and having her tell me she was “Aurora.”
Christmas Day was unbelievable. By 3:30 all the fam
ily had arrived. The house was alive. Grandma Joyce received a Wii! I have never been in favor of a single player in front of the TV with video games, but I totally love the family involvement with this one. The big kids were little; the little kids were big. When we were all bowling, Bryson explained it best: “The little kids and the old people are doing better than the others.” I think Grandpa and Grandma were the “old” people. When I asked Jentrie if Santa had come to her house, she said, “Not yet.” Then she proceeded to tell me what Santa had given her. However, I think she was expecting Santa to knock on the door and come in for a visit.
Brandon and Danielle announced that Laneah is going to be a big sister. It’s so exciting to be able to welcome a new little one to the family–this one will arrive in early July. The girls of the family all combined their scrapbooking talents and put together a treasured album of the year’s happenings for each family. Additions are promised for each coming year.
The day after Christmas, some of the kids got up and went to the Athletic Club by invitation from Sarahlo and Trent. They had a great time. OOOPS! Brandon came home feeling yucky! It’s hard to even have big kids get sick. His family sat out on the afternoon activities–as did Trent and Sarah. Grandpa and Grandma went with Trever’s family to see Bedtime Stories. After the movie we were back at the house for pizza and Wii games. Trever helped with Grandma’s other crazy tradition–taking the tree down. His help was immensely appreciated.
The Porter Bed and Breakfast Inn was in service throughout the holidays (and anytime the kids want to come and stay). We loved having different families stay a night or two–and then come back again. Brandon and Danielle stayed an extra night to assist with cleaning–it was great. Every time Mike and Sarah could break away from work, they would come and stay–even then I put them to work here.
December 30 Bryson came for his long-awaited sleepover. Too many activities in December caused it to be delayed. We had fun playing an old game called Take Two. Bryson was the master. Then Bryson showed Grandma some Wii details so that she can get Wii Fit. He was a real trooper running errands with Grandma for a part of the day.
New Year’s Eve we enjoyed playing games with Mike, Sarah, Brandon and Danielle. We made yummy hoagie sandwiches. We played Wii, Disney Scene It, and Loaded Questions. Brandon got us laughing to the point of tears. They all stayed over for New Year’s Day. Sarah and Mike had to leave mid morning due to other commitments. Afternoon brought Trever’s family over. Brandon’s family and Trever’s family, sans Carden, went sleigh riding. Lots of fun! Then they all came back for a casual dinner and tons of Wii fun! It was so neat watching them get so deeply into the games that the ice cream almost melted.
Wait! The holidays aren’t over yet. On Saturday, January 3, Dennis and I had a delightful visit from the Mark Blanscett family–all of them. They are terrific! It’s so neat to have them share their beautiful family with us–the kind of family everyone would emulate. Lots of fun and laughter–cute grandkids, too.
Christmas Day was unbelievable. By 3:30 all the fam
ily had arrived. The house was alive. Grandma Joyce received a Wii! I have never been in favor of a single player in front of the TV with video games, but I totally love the family involvement with this one. The big kids were little; the little kids were big. When we were all bowling, Bryson explained it best: “The little kids and the old people are doing better than the others.” I think Grandpa and Grandma were the “old” people. When I asked Jentrie if Santa had come to her house, she said, “Not yet.” Then she proceeded to tell me what Santa had given her. However, I think she was expecting Santa to knock on the door and come in for a visit.Brandon and Danielle announced that Laneah is going to be a big sister. It’s so exciting to be able to welcome a new little one to the family–this one will arrive in early July. The girls of the family all combined their scrapbooking talents and put together a treasured album of the year’s happenings for each family. Additions are promised for each coming year.
The day after Christmas, some of the kids got up and went to the Athletic Club by invitation from Sarahlo and Trent. They had a great time. OOOPS! Brandon came home feeling yucky! It’s hard to even have big kids get sick. His family sat out on the afternoon activities–as did Trent and Sarah. Grandpa and Grandma went with Trever’s family to see Bedtime Stories. After the movie we were back at the house for pizza and Wii games. Trever helped with Grandma’s other crazy tradition–taking the tree down. His help was immensely appreciated.
The Porter Bed and Breakfast Inn was in service throughout the holidays (and anytime the kids want to come and stay). We loved having different families stay a night or two–and then come back again. Brandon and Danielle stayed an extra night to assist with cleaning–it was great. Every time Mike and Sarah could break away from work, they would come and stay–even then I put them to work here.
December 30 Bryson came for his long-awaited sleepover. Too many activities in December caused it to be delayed. We had fun playing an old game called Take Two. Bryson was the master. Then Bryson showed Grandma some Wii details so that she can get Wii Fit. He was a real trooper running errands with Grandma for a part of the day.
New Year’s Eve we enjoyed playing games with Mike, Sarah, Brandon and Danielle. We made yummy hoagie sandwiches. We played Wii, Disney Scene It, and Loaded Questions. Brandon got us laughing to the point of tears. They all stayed over for New Year’s Day. Sarah and Mike had to leave mid morning due to other commitments. Afternoon brought Trever’s family over. Brandon’s family and Trever’s family, sans Carden, went sleigh riding. Lots of fun! Then they all came back for a casual dinner and tons of Wii fun! It was so neat watching them get so deeply into the games that the ice cream almost melted.
Wait! The holidays aren’t over yet. On Saturday, January 3, Dennis and I had a delightful visit from the Mark Blanscett family–all of them. They are terrific! It’s so neat to have them share their beautiful family with us–the kind of family everyone would emulate. Lots of fun and laughter–cute grandkids, too.
1 comment:
that is such a good post! Wow, that says it all. We had a really fun time with you guys, thanks again for everything!
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