Christmas at the Old Place

This year for Christmas with my dad's side of the family, we decided to have it in The Country. I was very excited about this! We love to go out there anytime, but when more people come, it is even more fun! We have talked about doing something like this out there for a couple of years. The original talk was to have a pig roast, and have all the men be in charge of that and stay up all night with the pig (I still think that sounds like fun). We have put it off for one reason or another, and for the last couple of years, papaw's health has prevented us to all be out there at the same time. Well, this year, Dad and Eloise decided that it was time for Papaw to go into the nursing home (a very difficult and sad decision but it was time) so because there was help for him the planning went on for going to the Old Place for Christmas. Sadly, right before Thanksgiving, Papaw's health really started to deteriorate... and on December 2nd he passed away in his sleep. He was 94 years old and had a very long, happy, and healthy life.

Our plans were to take place the following weekend. Dad planned lots of fun and games, and I think that everyone had a good time! The following are pictures from the day Saturday!

Early morning, I went out in the sub-freezing weather to help Dad get some things set up and prepared for the day. Dad had set the flag on the property at half mast and there was a beautiful full moon setting behind it.

As everyone arrived, Dad took them for rides out on the property to show property lines and new trails. The new ranger really helps in carting around more than one person.
Here is Dad giving the instructions of the first game of the day... A sort of Scavenger Hunt with a little riddle at the end. Each team had to follow compass directions in search of a skiing canary, and pick up small orange flags along the way, to show that they had taken the correct path.

Grayben did not join in this game, but sure did stay cute in the cold weather all bundled up!


The first team getting the skiing canary (a canary yellow towel tied in a tree with ski rope).


The second team realizing defeat as the come back toward base.


The first team was such good sports about their win!!


Then there was some four wheeler riding... GO ELOISE!!


Cutie Patootie


Warming up by the campfire!


More riding... GO PATTI!!

All of grandkids and greatgrandkids after a game of capture the flag (with flour as ammo).

Parker (3) and Alex (6) I KNOW!!

Some of the Greatgrands about to go on a hayride! Aren't they all cute??

And the night was topped off by another beautiful full moon!