Mitch: “Take my photo so I can see if your flash hurts my eyes like my mom’s does.”

Jeff and Doug got this pinball machine when they were kids and now their own kids play it.

Rachelle & Kenji

Hideto

Jeff & Mitch

Cory selecting a package in the gift exchange.

Mandy & Brad

Tommy

Auntie Cory & Hideto

Dallas

Danny & Kenji

Tommy loved the ice cream sandwiches made with Auntie Gail’s homemade cookies.

On Christmas day we always go to Dallas’ Auntie Gail’s house in Mt. Prospect. This year we didn’t have a ride, but we live so close to the Blue Line that we just took it out to the Cumberland stop and Auntie Laura picked us up. Very convenient, just so we don’t have a lot to carry.

Every year Auntie Gail makes beef tenderloin, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, corn and her mom’s lettuce/mayo/crab/?? salad. Always delicious. Also, around Thanksgiving every year Auntie Gail starts reminding everyone to bring a $10 grab bag, “no junk.” The exchange always gets a little crazy with people going after the same gifts over and over even though they have no idea what they are. It’s all about the packaging. Dallas and I got a fancy wine opener (from Naoko) and a deviled egg plate (from Auntie Laura).

This year it was fun to see Kenji, Doug and Naoko’s baby who was just born less than a month ago. He’s so tiny. When Tommy and Hideto were born I don’t think I saw them til they were much older. I stole Kenji away for almost an hour and then finally gave him up to the next person to hold him. Also, I’d only spent time with Hideto one time before. He was visiting from the Bay Area with his parents, Dallas’ cousin Scott & Krystyn and it was nice to see him again. He’s gotten so big!

Previous Christmases at Auntie Gail’s:
- 2007
- 2006
- 2005