Christmas 2012

The 2012 Spendlove Christmas began on Christmas Eve, as Calders, Spendloves, Flindts, and Eberts gathered for chicken tortilla soup and the Christmas story.  We took turns sharing a special memory from 2012, many of them trips.  They ranged from Camille's blitzkrieg through Europe to Grant's "trip" working on the Romney campaign, from Elizabeth interning with a German bank to Jonny and Jenny visiting Machu Pichu.  Lisa described touring the Pacific coast and Lake Arrowhead, Gretta and Dave mentioned their return to Burma, and Michael told about his year in Australia.  A very special highlight from 2012 was Michael Flindt's mission call.

Of course, Christmas Eve included Scott's family singing "Hang Up the Baby's Stocking" (with a new baby, Grant's Lulu), and Gretta reading Luke Chapter Two from the old Calder Bible. 

On Christmas morning, we gathered again, for nutella and berry crepes, and then to open gifts.

Kyle was best-dressed, in his reindeer hat.

 

Grandma Gretta laid out the grandkids' picture books, Toblerones, and chocolate oranges.

The kids scrambled to see what outrageous, unflattering snapshots Grandma Gretta had included, along with a few gems.

 

The Flindt and Ebert children shared the pleasure of opening and sharing their gifts.

 

Before scattering, we posed for a family portrait.  Michael Flindt is leaving on a mission in April and Spencer and Grant will quickly follow.  We may not be all together again for many years.