A Hovey Christmas

The Hovey family got together to celebrate Grandma Elsie's 80th birthday on Sunday.

Grandma's birthday isn't until January, but our entire family (minus Morgan and Jacob and their Mom) was home for Christmas. This hasn't happened in quite some time. I believe the last time my cousin Wayne was home for Christmas was fourteen years ago.

 

So we all got together to celebrate Grandma and Christmas. And celebrate, we did!

 

My silly little girl

Meeting cousin Wayne

In true Lilli Jo fashion, she went right to him and was content to let him hold her.

Grandma and her children

Our whole family

The Bjerkes

Grandma Elsie

Happy (early) Birthday, Grandma!

Love this one!

I took a break from taking pictures to play for a bit.

Trouble in the choir loft

Allie with Gavin and Maddox (my cousin Reid's boys)

 

After the birthday party, we went to Mike and Louise's new home. It's not quite finished ... I can't wait to see it when it is ... but it was perfect for our gathering.

Lefse! It was SO good.

Wayne brought the sake.

Mom took a break from making divinity (which was amazing, best ever) for a photo op.

Mom and my cousin Jackie, busy bees in the kitchen

Me and Wayne

It's been far too long since he's been home - we went to basic training at the same time in 1998, he went Air Force, while I went Army Guard. He first went to Japan, then Turkey, then Alaska, then Japan. He was headed to Italy next, but a change of plans took him to Arizona. He'll be there until his retirement, in about six years. He's hoping to make it home for Honey Days this next year. Hopefully being state-side will allow for more visits home!

 

What a truly blessed Christmas it has been this year!