Family Christmas on the Manistee River 2011

Timothy, Casey and her mom Kym McKenzie, from Paw Paw, who we were delighted to have with us for Christmas weekend.
Patrick and Heather looking Fantastic!!

Lots of cooks helped make dinner a huge success...every one made something and we all left the table feeling very satisfied and thankful for our blessings. Timothy and Casey were filling their plates with Michael wondering if there will be food left!!!

The hostess, Kathy, with her dresssy"serve the food" apron from Aunt Kay Tupper. Not too practical but very frilly and with lots of Christmas memories! Love those deviled eggs!!!

The Christmas table at the cabin with a view of the river. We had 11 for dinner, including Deb and Duane Walter, Andy Zemke, Kym McKenzie and our prime rib chef Rudi Stimac. The best toast was from our friend Andy "May you always have friends that are family and family that are friends". We feel that blessing this year and are thankful that we were all together and that we had wonderful friends to join us.

Patrick and Timothy with their Stormy Kromer hats...aren't they handsome!

TC Decorations and Memories

Mike and I have our decorations up in Traverse City and are pleased with how they look. We got a fake tree a few years ago and it goes up in 10 minetes which is fantastic. I end up decorating the whole thing since there are not any kids at home to help. The Santa on the front porch is from my brother David several years ago and I love its old fashioned look. The deer was made by my father and is a regular on our front porch...I added the lights this year and think he looks very festive. We finally have a little snow so it looks more like Christmas. We look forward to Timothy and Casey arriving next weekend and will be joined by Casey's mother Kym from Kalamazoo. Patrick and Heather will be out on Christmas eve and Heather's parents Deb and Duane will join us for dinner on Christmas Day. Our guest of honor will be our friend Rudi who is cooking the prime rib. We should have a great meal and I am so happy that we can share the beauty of the cabin with friends and family.
Kathy and Mike

The Christmas Season starts

Well we are starting the Christmas Season as it is now December! Mike and I are once again at the cabin for this weekend. We got out the decorations and put up the trees. We put mom and dads tree inside and another lit tree on the deck. The tree decorations are a combo of mom and dads as well as fishing themed ornaments. The old ones bring back lots of memories for me. Mike made chili with some venison we were given and it was fantastic. Laid back weekend with bird watching, saunaing, dinner with friends, sewing, football watching and watching it rain. Not a nice weather weekend as we have no snow but lots of rain. Our first Christmas party is the Hibernian party tomorrow night. Hope this start to the holiday season finds you all well and healthy. Kathy and Michael