GREAT PARTY!

Diane and family did a great job! To everyone who helped in yesterdays festivities thank you, it was wonderful. I want to say we have an amazing group of individuals when combined and stirred make a great diner, from cocktails through desert. We even have a few nuts to add to the flavorful event.
I especially want to thank Mom who sent Ed home with fruit cake. I enjoyed myself so much my knees and feet are not working at all today. When I feel like crap I used to sit in my chair do a little sudoku and pet my Riley. Today I don't have my Riley but I do have my Mom's fruitcake, and for today I will rest with that comfort and watch some meaningless football and all will be ready to walk tomorrow. Thanks Mom!
Everyone enjoy the week of preparation and excitement!
Fill your heart with the joy of the season and the love of your family!
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!
Love, Julie/Kuli

Merry Christmas!

Just to get everybody in the right spirit for Saturday... here's a little theme song for our family Christmas!

Love and safe travels to all!

GOD WORKS IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS

I called Mom today and she said "I was just going to call you". That happens often to us but today we were both very blessed to share a tear and a laugh. She told me Uncle Norb passed away this morning. He was in hospice and was medicated to comfort at the end, may he run with the wind and rest in peace. I asked her if Uncle Norb liked dogs, and she said oh yes. Well I guess Uncle Norb and Riley get to meet again today in heaven, as I had Riley put to rest this morning. I think they will make a great team.
Mom said arrangements for Norb will be forthcoming so stay tuned for details.
I find great comfort in how life works sometimes.
See you all on the 18th.
Kuli
UPDATE: Here are Uncle Norbs funeral arrangements. http://www.ellestadfuneralhome.com/ Go to Mount Horeb funeral home and you can find his obit there. Funeral is Wed 11:00am with the visitation Tuesday beginning at 3:00. Mom needs all the support we can send her way. She sounded quite down yesterday. So if you can't get to the visitation call her or send her a letter but I know she would love to get a little extra love right now.

Aloha Ohana

Menu Update -

But before I forget - Hawaiian attire is required. Flip flops, grass skirts, etc. Also, did I mention we're having a hula hoop contest. If you have one, bring it! Let's get those hips a-movin'!

From the mainland:
Mom/Grandma = turkey
Vince & Kelly - cheesy hash browns
Anna - pumpkin cheesecake
Carissa - mashed potatoes

Now for our tropical menu:
Kelly also volunteered to bring an appetizer and salad
Rita - Chicken Luau
Diane - caramels and Aloha Sweet Potatoes
Julie - Tropical Jello
Dawn - Tropical Fruit Salad

13 days and counting.....

CHRISTMAS IS COMING!!!

Hi everyone! We had an awesome Thanksgiving and have begun the holiday season with much family memory making. We had a great Turkey dinner with Mom and Dad, and Bill joining us. Casey and family popped in for a visit and we all had a relaxing day

Ed and Greg, Amy and Brenda, and Brian in the early hours did some Black Friday shopping. Some did better than others but they all had fun. Saturday Amy Brenda Ashlynn and I went to see the lights at the Grand Geneva. Of course we went at night to see all the lights outside and inside and when you see them through the eyes of a 2 year old it is even more beautiful. Here are a few pics and a link to a great Christmas video. Enjoy the family time and the spirit of the season as we prepare to gather on Dec. 19th. Be safe and have fun! Julie

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/GqCTfjjHksZKMQvDq4cW