Christmas Part deux

Last Tuesday, we headed north to Grandma & pa Hatton's house. There was lots of snow and ice in Wisconsin and dogs. Becca loves anything with four legs and the girls took it in stride.



Patrick found Grandpa's lap quickly.

Patrick had a blast helping Grandma make raisin bread with lots of brown sugar.


Here we are all dressed up for church on Christmas eve.

The kids were happy to sit in a lap, especially Grandma or Grandpa's.

Uncle Chris was just as good.

More baking, this time with Grandpa.

Grandma introduced reindeer antlers to Patrick...

...and Becca was quick to follow.

Here we are Christmas morning with our canoe equipment to go with the old Boy Scout canoe Grandpa found for us.

Did I mention that Becca loved the dogs?

We also spent a far amount of time outside in the snow. Here the kids are getting prepared to face the elements.


The sledding didn't seem to effect Becca one way or the other.

But Patrick seriously enjoyed himself.


We also went ice skating on Lake Camelot.



Everyone was out on the ice.

When Becca got tired, Sally was kind enough to help her out.

The dock made for some great pictures.


We had a great time outside.

But the kids are easily amused and found fun inside as well.

But Stella kept a close eye on them just in case.

On Saturday, we headed south to see some more of the Hatton clan. Becca, once again, found a dog to love. Poor Frosty was not ready for out kids.

We end this blog with some pictures of the kids playing, at home, with some of the trains they got for Christmas.


If you haven't got enough Lil' Hats, don't worry there are more to come in a few days. A special thanks to Grandma Hatton who took a number of these pictures and posted them on her blog, where I copied them. We hope you all had a Merry Christmas and that the love and hope of the season continues to be in your hearts throughout the coming year.

Christmas Part 1

We are presenting Christmas 2008 is parts given the huge number of pictures that were taken. First we have some from Sullibash given by my aunt and uncle in South Bend. This year we gathered at the Isaak Walton League, which was basically an enclosed park shelter with a kitchen. It was perfect for our large clan. Here's Becca attacking the tree.

And Patrick found a piano.

It didn't take long for the other boys to join in.


My cousin Lauren brought her Wii and the kids loved watching other people play.

There was also some sledding.

AJ even did a little song and dance for us.

The next day, Patrick was the first to open his present (from Dan & Teresa) so he could...

help make pancakes, along with every one else.


AJ stopped long enough to give me this sweet smile.


Since they moved to Ohio, we haven't seen as much of the Venia's as we'd like so Becca maximized her time and cuteness.

After breakfast we lined the kids up for presents. Everyone in this picture is under 5 years old. Just think of the crowd if the three Coffey's had made it!


Here's Clara opening her My Little Pony's game, which I'm told she took to bed.

And Patrick got some really cool drumsticks from Aunt Pat.

We came home for Monday and the kids tried out the drumsticks.


Patrick even let Becca have a turn.

That's it for Part 1, but don't worry there are lots more to come.