Over the River and Through the Woods...

My family always celebrates Christmas a weekend or two before the actual holiday.  Although it is wonderful to not have to choose between families on the actual holiday, over the years we've had some chaotic drives (or near misses) too and from New Hampshire.  Like in 2009.  And 2008.  And our family BBQ in 2011.  Saturday was no exception - in fact, it wasn't until we watched the weather report on Saturday morning that we made the final decision to make the drive.  It started snowing before we woke up on Saturday morning and snowed steadily in Connecticut during our ride to NH (although we had a reprieve in Massachusetts and New Hampshire during the drive up).  Joe was gracious enough to move things around for us, moving up the dinner time twice during the week.  We missed Auntie Karen and Meghan, who were away, as well as Auntie Sandra, who was ill and Aunt Grail, who didn't arrive until after we were on the road back to Connecticut, but we made the best of our quick visit and had a great time celebrating together.

On Friday afternoon, I received this text from my friend Janet: "Do the O'Connors wait for a winter storm before deciding to have a Christmas party?"  Apparently, we do.

Cousins (minus one)

Joe's tree - see, it's genetic.

Sisters

Mom and me - my super mature brother Michael is photobombing in the background.

With Auntie Karen away, Uncle Joe had to handle all of the cooking himself.  He was quite the multi-tasker.

Slicing the roast.  Note the reading glasses; good grief, we are all getting old!

Elizabeth was the official roast taste-tester!

She pronounced it excellent and immediately had another piece.

Jillian and Emily