Christmas At The Lake 2008

This year my sister generously offered to host our family Christmas at her lake house this past weekend. The last few days had been unusually warm, even here in the south, so it was a treat to be at the lake with 70+ temperatures! It would have been really cozy and nice with a fire going but no one was complaining about the wonderfully mild weather we had....you'll even see some of the fellas in shorts!

Let's go in and see what's cookin' at the lake.....

Here's the back of the cabin

Some of her neighbor's lake homes

McKinley and Taylor sampling their cookie creations....my sister had some cookies for them to decorate

Taylor got a little carried away with her "sprinkles"!

Here's my little man Jackson

My two "babies" Shannon and Shane and their babies (McKinley is on Shannon's lap and Taylor is on Shane's lap). Taylor loves her Uncle Shane!

Here's my mom surrounded by her children and grandchildren. My brother and his family, who live in Kentucky, did not make it down

Me in the middle with black top and silver cross

My sister's daughter, her husband and their "kids" - baby Austin and dog Buffy

My daughter Shannon, her husband Don, and the twins - Jackson did not want his picture taken

McKinley would not "cooperate" so I could not get a good family picture for them

Jackson and I walked out on the deck and he decided to have a rest with his "blankie"

Miss Taylor (wonder what's she thinking? Probably how I can get MiMi to give me some more presents!!)

Taylor and Erica - sweet cousins

My two favorite men - hubby David and son Shane

Sweet daughter-in-law Jennifer holding Austin

Taylor and McKinley having a big time coloring

The lake house has such a comfy, casual feel that we've decided to have Christmas at the lake next year

My sister's late father-in-law made this table in anticipation of future grandchildren coming to the lake - he did not live long enough to see any of his grandchildren but his presence is felt all around

Two of my sister's grandchildren - Mason and Erica

Here's my sister holding Erica

She didn't do much decorating but no one seemed to notice or mind....just wonderful family time was what was most important to all of us

The main living area is one big open room - her MIL did some extensive remodeling some years ago which turned out really great

Our menu was chili (from deer meat), potato soup and tortilla soup. Everyone brought appetizers, snacks, drinks, and desserts so there was plenty to eat. Nothing fancy but just good food! I'll have to give ya'll the receipe for the tortilla soup when she e-mails it to me....it was WONDERFUL!

Now ya'll have a wonderful week and MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!

Remember - family time is the most important gift we can give or receive.