James / Brake Christmas

Our final family gathering for the Christmas 2008 season in December was with Rob's side of the family. Shawna and Ray so graciously hosted the event at their house...out in the boonies! It was pouring down rain on our way there and we had to pass a few streams running over the dirt road to their house. My poor, poor Mazda. (We were going to take the truck, but had to pick up Brandon afterwards. Not enough room for three in the Ford!)

We took Gilmore with us this year. Only one of Shawna and Ray's dogs actually got along with him, so the others got pinned up. Poor guys. Shawna got a new bloodhound puppy for Christmas named Jake Brake (ha ha). Gilmore didn't like him very much. He didn't know what to do with something smaller than him! He's used to hanging out with Major at the 'rents' house!


So sorry, James Family in Kentucky! I realized after looking at my photos that I only took photos of Jake! Here's the only other one I took of Shawna and Rob.


The nephews got a Wii for Christmas, so all the grown ups played that while the boys played their PS2. I beat Norman at bowling!

After the family gathering, we picked up Brandon from his Mom's house. We've become the official cab for transporting him from Dixon to the Springfield Airport after major holiday visits. We don't mind though! We love seeing him!


The boys had a UFC Fight Night when we got home from Dixon. Our friend, Steve, even graced us with his presence! Lovely, sweet Leslie ran to get them pizza when we found out the pizza place down the street stopped serving and delivering at 8:00!