'Twas a Merry Christmas

Grandsons Lane, Luke and Jasper
playing with some of their new toys.

John and I made our annual Christmas Eve trip to his parents and sister's homes.  They live on some beautiful acreage in Yelm where we watched Laura's small heard of fostered Icelandic ponies, the neighbor's sheep and llama, and Mom and Dad's chickens.  Laurie played short-order cook and made everyone a wonderful breakfast ... farm fresh eggs, bacon, sausage, cinnamon rolls ... yummm!

By the time we got home, son-in-law Cameron and grandson Jasper had arrived to spend the night and get ready for Christmas.  Jasper left out cookies, milk and carrots which were all munched up by Santa and his reindeer.



Our tabletop Christmas Tree



On Christmas morning we followed tradition; all of our children and their kids gathered at our home for breakfast* and to get their stockings from Santa.  The grandkids were showered with even more gifts.  It was pure chaos!



John's new hat with hair!



Our ham dinner got delayed this year.   Our kids went to visit other family members; John's parents stayed home because they weren't feeling well; and our friend was in the hospital because she got in a car accident. (Get well Gail!)   So, instead, John made us some egg salad sandwiches from a few hardboiled eggs (detoured from becoming deviled eggs).  Tomorrow, when we are more rested, I'll bake the ham which we'll munch on throughout the week.



Gretchen dressed
up for a Christmas picture.



This was a merry Christmas for us.  I hope yours was very merry as well.

* For the last several Christmas mornings, I've made a breakfast casserole for everyone.  It's become a tradition.  I learned to make this dish when I was a trail cook for High Country Outfitters.  We made it in a dutch oven for our guests.  Here is the basic recipe. 

1. Crumble and brown 2 pounds maple sausage,

2. Cube 1 large loaf of day-old French bread,
3. 2 cups shredded cheese (swiss and cheddar this year) 

4. Beat together 20 eggs, 2 cups milk, and salt/pepper to taste,

In a large greased casserole pan, make 2 layers, each with cubed French bread, cooked sausage and shredded cheese.  Cover everything with the beaten egg mixture.  Let stand at least 30 minutes until the bread is thoroughly soaked.  Bake at 350 for 40 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.  Serve with salsa.

You can also add other ingredients that you enjoy, like herbs, spices, onions, peppers, sour cream, etc.  This recipe made 12 large servings.