Becky, Dan , and Evy Shirer arrived at our apartment about 9:30 PM on Wednesday evening, December 26, 2012, after a long, snowy drive from Albany NY.  Evy mentioned swimming almost immediately, so after breakfast Thursday morning she and Becky swam in the North pool.

A resident mentioned that the train room at the culture center was opening at 10 AM today, so I called Michael Lassman, who met us there with his family. Henry is as much a fan of trains as Evy, so they had a marvelous time there before lunch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael, Henry, and Dillon swam in the big pool for several hours while Evy took a nap in our apartment. Suzy and Fran Talarowski arrived from Philadelphia and we spent the afternoon updating recent events, especially Becky’s trip to Papua New Guinea for The Nature Conservancy. Evy had a chance to play with Uncle Fran.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 5 PM the family gathered at The Stock Yard Inn for conversation, great food, and another chance for our grandchildren to get to know each other well as adults.

The great grandchildren were kept busy until their food was served first.

Ryan Himes missed his pals Ben and Jacob Staggert, who had to stay in Rochester because there was 15 inches of snow forecast for Wednesday.

Geoff and Amanda are busy planning their wedding for September, and had an opportunity to enjoy sharing their joy

For many years we have tried to see our family eat together at one table at least once a year, and 2012 was a most satisfying addition to those memories.

I watched the kids invent their little games in the adjoining room until it was time for dessert.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Al and I left shortly after dessert, exhausted and so very thankful for another Christmas with our wonderful family.