...and learning how to use my new camera. It is going to be a challenge but I can tell already that the pictures it takes are far better than anything I've taken before. Almost anything and everyone is a fair target as a subject for a photo so be warned...
I'm not the only one spending my time "wisely", Gizmo has spent significant time on his new trick. Back story: Nick (who likes to find new ways to "entertain" Gizmo) wrapped one of his toys up in a blanket one day and Gizmo spent some very energetic time trying to get the ball out. A few days ago I noticed Gizmo wrapping the toy in the blanket all by himself. He will set the toy on the blanket, use his nose to cover it and then "roll" it up by digging at it with his legs. Once it is hidden to his satisfaction he will dig furiously to uncover it again. I can't decide if this dog is super intellegent or just excessively OCD. To give him a new challenge Jim tied the toy into the blanket. It took Gizmo a little longer to get it out that way but he did it! I doubt he'll figure out how to do that himself but when it comes to that dog nothing would surprise me.
Yesterday, Sunday, Dec 30 we held our annual Ninmann White Elephant Christmas party. This year the party was located at Watertown Bowl North in Watertown, WI. They have a big party room there that you can rent for only $10 an hour. You can bring in your own food and they supply the tables and chairs, a fridge and just about anything else you'd need for a party. There was even a TV so we could watch the football games! Since it was a Packer game day most of us dressed in our Packer gear. Lexi got to wear her jersey too even though she wasn't allowed at the party.
We began our festivities with a lunch of BBQs and veggies and some games that Grandma had come up with, and just basically enjoyed each others' company...
(Tanya was feeling cold and I really admired her creative use of Nick's jacket to keep her feet and legs warm...)
After lunch we had the annual Ninmann Christmas Party White Elephant Exchange. As you can see there was a tantalizing selection again this year...
...but as usual there were just two packages that got fought over. One was wrapped in newspaper...
...and the other had a stuffed mouse tied to the outside. After everyone had a chance to choose or steal a gift we had the grand reveal. There were some real winners this year! Some of the highlights:
Dan got a FABULOUS Pegasus clock...
Cassy got a cheese grater...with old cheese attached...
Both Nick and his mom got ToysRUs talking Geofferys...
David's first experience with a White Elephant netted him a classy clock complete with dangling crystals and Natalie ended up with the coveted newspaper wrapped package which contained Christmas candles and a snow globe...
Nick got a photo collage frame...
Melanie got a talking catfish...
Richard got a used (Holiday Inn) pillow, Liz got a meowing cat and I got a dancing Chihuaha that sings Feliz Navidad...
Tiffany got the coveted package with the stuffed mouse on top. It contained a painted candle stick...
... and Jim got very fancy Christmas socks.
When the exchange was done we all had to agree it was another smashing success! After gift opening we had the traditional paper fight. Tanya, my sweet future daughter-in-law had an exceptionally good time participating in the fight while Nick nonchalantly got caught up on his texting and etc. even with paper flying around his head...(I guess being in the Marines is very good for training a person to be cool under fire!)
After the traditional paper fight we went upstairs to do some bowling. Grandma treated us each to two bowling games and the shoe rental. Thank you Grandma!
It was interesting to observe the various bowling styles our family uses...
Nick was poetry in action doing the ever-popular "twist"...
Tanya and Cassy both perfected the "ballerina" move...
Jim's delivery was flawless as "the speed skater"...
Grandpa and I both prefer the "hunker and hope"...
...while Grandma employed the "hold your head and pray" technique rather often.
Nick W gets creativity points for his unique "behind the back and through the legs" style...
...and maybe it's just me, but I think Tiffany should lose points for her "sneaky shoe scratch" release, hmmmm. I wonder if her teammates knew she was doing that?
We knew Grandpa was gonna have a great time when he found a ball with his "handle" on it..."Hammer."
For myself I bowled better than I think I ever have. I broke one hundred in both games, but even better than that, my score was higher than Jim's in both games too! I decided to enjoy it and record it for posterity because it will almost certainly never happen again.
After bowling we went to Melissa's to watch the Packers lose to the Vikings. Grandma ordered pizza and we had a good time enthusiastically encouraging the Packers to improve their game.
At the end of the day the only thing I can say is that I absolutely love my family and I can't think of a better way to spend time than hanging out with these people.
This evening the cousins are coming to celebrate the new year together at our house while Jim and I go to the home of friends for the evening. As 2012 comes to a close I look back with thanks to God for all the ways he has blessed us and carried us all safely through the year. Happy New Year to all!
Scripture Verse of the Day:
"Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?"
1 Chron. 17:16
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