New Year's Eve - 2009

The plan for tonight is as follows: our neighbors, the Browns will come over with their new baby girl, Avery; Debi's close friend, Wendy is with us for a few days; and of course, Madison and Morgan. Sophia is with her mother's parents for hot chocolate, popcorn and a movie...that sounds so perfect for a 6-year old (that sounds perfect for an adult, too!).

We decided that having a sit-down meal was a bit much to expect with babies in the house so we are having an appetizer spread of different things such as pigs-in-a-blanket, chips and salsa; cheese and crackers; hummus; and some other stuff. There will also be wine, champagne and assorted drinks.

Happy New Year to All!!

Ok, the champagne didn't flow, but he wine and assorted drinks did. The apps were delish; however I would advise against the box o'frozen puff pastries from BJ's as the description on the box was not necessarily what one consumed. Still, it was a good time.

After apps we played Dominoes and then watched the ball drop. That was the first time in a long time that i stayed up past midnight on New Year's eve.

Christmas Continued

Christmas Day saw Grandma and Grandpa Barnes and Grandma and Grandpa Sheldon in Lynn to exchange gifts, but mainly to watch the girls open their presents. A continental spread was provided, consisting of bagels, cinnamon buns, fruit, coffee and tea, etc. After presents were opened and food consumed (and lots of coffee!), Sophia went to her other grandparents' in Milton.

At the end of the day, Debi and I enjoyed filet mignon and a great bottle of 2005 Opus One.

Christmas Continued

So yesterday was the family reunion at the American Legion Hall in Northbridge. It was nice to see most of my relatives that i haven't seen since last year. The twins behaved and napped both to and from the reunion. Yay!! All in all, it was a low-key event. The dysfunctional family units did not attend this year, making it a low-key event. There are times when the best family reunions take on a "soap-opera esque" feel that makes them truly worth the trip.

Christmas Events Thus Far

Xmas Eve was a bit disjointed simply because my family can be disjointed...although very well meaning. Sure, we had the shrimp and steamers and lobster, but it took a while to get the family together to do that. In any event, Madison and Morgan screamed because they were very tired; however they did go to sleep (thank you Baby Einstein CD!). I went to church with mom and my daughter Sophia and my niece Josephine. Church was another story and one I should touch on because it bothers me to see a church with great potential to have an awesome congregation (as it once did) to an attendance of roughly 60 people! One look at the choir members and one gets a sense as to where the church is heading. I say this because the combined age of choir members is knocking on 700's door...and there were only 12 members!

Barnes Family Xmas Festivities

Welcome! Well, the '09 Christmas season is beginning to wrap up and the Barnes family will have its traditional foods and fun times.

It starts tonight at my parents' house in Braintree with shrimp, steamers and lobsters. Lauren, Patrick, Aidan and Josephine will join me, Debi, Sophia, Madison and Morgan to enjoy each other's company and listen to old Christmas records (vinyl, not CDs) of the Chipmunks, Elvis, Frank, Bing and others I grew up with. Those records have a great way of bringing back memories of Christmases past.

After dinner, we'll head to the church I grew up attending (www.firstchurchbriantree.org) and listen to Grandpa Craig sing. (Note: I spent some time singing in the choir years ago). From church we'll part ways...The Barnes of Lynn will head to Lynn; The Geraghtys of Canton will head to Canton; and the Barnes of Braintree will head home. Hopefully all will get sleep; although with a 6-year old and twin 6-month old girls under one roof and a 10-year old boy and 8-year old girl under another, I'm not holding my breath!

Christmas morning will bring the Sheldons of Eastham (Grandpa Bob and Grandma Bev)and the Barnes of Braintree (Grandpa Craig and Grandma Marcia) to Lynn for presents and a continental breakfast; The Geraghtys will do their own thing on Christmas morning to be joined by Craig and Marcia later in the day. With any luck, naps will be had by all later in the day. Debi and I will enjoy some great filet mignon with a bottle of Opus One for dinner.

The next day is the Magowan family reunion (Marcia's maiden name) in Rockdale. Debi and I will show off the twins all the while telling people to sanitize before touching.

I'll keep you posted as the days unfold.

Merry Christmas and Happy New!