After a very relaxing day of jumping on the boing boing, playing Mario Brothers and Duck hunt, morphing digital pictures, and eating leftovers, we all headed out G/G Seal’s for the annual Christmas Eve gathering. My mom had very graciously offered to take us to LAX for our 6:30a flight to Portland on Christmas day. The dogs had to go to the Wright house for the week, before the family gathering, so Mom and I (and the dogs) went down to Woodland Hills about 1/2 hour before Toby and the kids (and Dad). I went to the Wright’s house but they weren’t home (they were at church) so the dogs went to G/G Seal’s house for the evening. When Katherine W. saw the dogs, I accidently spilled the beans that the dogs were staying at her house for a week. Her face lit up like you wouldn’t believe!
One of the best things at this gathering is the gift exchange game. With 17 people each bringing a gift, it is a bunch of coveting, plotting, scheming and stealing. This year I was able to steal a blanket that Toby really wanted, but we missed the Cranium game that had been brought. Dave Smalling grabbed it and locked it with the third steal. Dad drew number 1 (I was number 17) and so had his pick once the presents had all been opened. He had originally opened a 20 pack of ‘Beers of the World’ and was anxious to keep it. Skylar Schmidt stole it at about 12 or 13, and so my Dad grabbed a scented candle from someone else. His goal was to get the BOTW back on his final pick and stick Skylar with the scented candle. IT WORKED! Jan and Jeff schemed to get the presents they brought. I can’t decide whether I am disgusted with that practice or impressed that they pulled it off.
Toby, the kids and I left early at about 8:45p so that we could pack for our early trip. Got to bed about 10:30p.