New Year's 2012

In a stroke of genius, Gma Valerie had the idea of creating a Google doc for families to sign up for meals and activities. Nothing had to be a big production, just a way of having something planned and someone in charge of some family fun each day. Some days we played "Minute to Win it," other days it was Wii tournaments. On our day, we took everyone over to the Potomac Club game room and enjoyed air hockey, football, ping pong, and pool. Good times. 

New Year's Eve, we spent some time over at Papa's and Grammy's house. My dad found this Little People set, I believe at a garage sale, and Trina became the steward of it. It has been a favorite toy for all the grandkids and was much played with over the holidays. *In her latest room cleaning, Trina bequeathed the Little People set to Emma, which has her pretty much thrilled. 

Here are John and Isaac playing with the Little People. Papa is looking on with crutch in hand. He suffered a pretty severe ankle sprain when playing wally-ball with the fam at the local rec center. Couldn't keep him down, though. He was off to a movie with the fellas the same night with a stool in hand for proper ankle elevation. 

Here we are getting ready for the traditional round of White Elephant gifts. We joke that it is basically a chance for my dad to offload some of the "treasures" he picks up through the year. He always puts in way more than his fair share of the gifts. Lots of laughs as they get opened.  

What could be inside this package, Papa?

Spencer got the yearly regift of the sponge "Family Heirloom Fruitcake." Best white elephant ever. It remains in the circle year after year. There used to be a Mr. T chia pet that was also a repeat offender, but I believe that got gifted to (and maybe even used by) my Aunt Carol and Uncle Geary a few years back. 

After an afternoon of fun at the Cummings, we were back at the Wride's for the fondue feast. Lots of deliciousness dipped in chocolate, caramel, and cheese concoctions. LOVE this tradition.

One final memory. It may even have been New Year's Day. Brock, Valerie, and I had a jam session. Basically, Brock comes up with a really fun, unique way of playing a Christmas carol or hymn, and we try to blend in. We came up with a really cool "Good King Wenceslas" if memory serves correctly.