The Holidays - Final Post 2011

Because we did not return from Branson until Thanksgiving Day, we held our family dinner on the following Saturday at Amy and Bobby's home, and celebrated Jenni's November 26th birthday at the same time.

When the kids get together there are always games to be played!  Several of the kids and grandkids have really gotten into the activity of geocaching which is best described as treasure hunting with a GPS.









Kyle and Tiffany geo- caching with a friend. 




Almost before we knew it, Christmas was upon us!  We attended vespers at our church on Christmas Eve and then went to Chris and Bill's home for gift exchange, a wonderful dinner and solving the mystery of the Family Tree that Chris and Alyssa had decorated.  There was an ornament for every family member and the goal was to match the ornament with the person.  Here's a few...







Camera - Serena - takes a class in school and is the yearbook's rep to take pictures of various activities; she even wears a "press pass".
Who else could this beautiful golden crown match up with but Rod - the "golden child" as his sisters call him.  His request is that next year the crown will be illuminated, with angels singing the Hallelujah Chorus in the background!


Tennis racket - Actually, this ornament could have been for Kyle, Ashley and/or Tiffany. 

Airplane - Stephanie works for U.S. Airways.

To round out the holiday season, we applied our skills at building a gingerbread house.  Chris, Amy, Nancy, Tiffany and Rod were the master builders - Rod was a little more masterful than the others by using a rolling pin, ruler and exacto knife to prepare his pieces for the house.  Ah yes, we knew that architectural degree would come in handy some day!  Exterior design was completed by the ladies on the construction team.  Bill chose to nap through the ordeal while Russ and Bobby watched football on TV.

Matthews, Brannon & Jakes, LLC
"Holiday Ideas Unlimited"

Thank you again for allowing us to share with you this special 50th anniversary year.  There were a few set backs (health-wise) along the way, but our faith and trust is in the Lord. Our family was blessed by the addition of our first great grandbaby, Bella Rae, to Kyle and Ashley (proud grandparents:  Amy and Bobby).   GOD IS GOOD!