Curious traditions and some child endangerment.

It just so happens that us Condies have tradition of celebrating Christmas. We gather together as a family and we tend to eat goodies with an abundance of fat or sugar. At some point we exchange gifts ( ones nobody wants or needs but we all usually spend more than we intended). I can't explain why we do the things we do. It could be our Scottish heritage, or maybe it's because my father worked at a nuclear powerplant during our formative years.

We held the family party at our house again this year. I guess it just works out that way. I mean, December is the month we clean the house anyway so why not invite people over?



Grandpa and Grandma brought a couple bottles of 25 year old brandy for the white elephant exchange. We had an employee years ago that knew we were LDS but every year would give them a fruit basket and a bottle of brandy.


All of our best sides.


We want to wish all of our family and friends a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I was planning to, but Rex and Dee took the brandy back. Who does that? Bring a preasant for exchange and then steal it back?

Look Santas spreading his cheer

Get this. I have a irreverent streak. Julie has learned to deal with this. If you can't, turn back now. I think some of the reasons I like these pictures is because I admire the people that could do this to there own homes and not worry what there neighbors would think, when in all actuality most of us would think it's hilarious.


Okay, It could be worse. He could be aiming down the chimney. The smell would be horrendous.



Is he just being funny? I don't think so. I think this home owner has found a creative way to share the Christmas spirit while staying Earth conscious. btw, I'm pretty sure that is Al Gores' house on the left.



Let's give this house it's due. I mean they still have me beat for number of strands of lights up.

A festive decoration that could compliment any trailer. Single wide or double.

He pulled a "Ralphie"

Last Friday we went to get Santa pictures. The boys were very exited to tell Santa what they wanted. (Flow charts, and spread sheets were involved) We waited patiently until it was our turn to meet the big man himself. Will walked right up and climbed onto Santas lap while John griped onto Julies pant leg like she was hanging out of a helicopter. He froze. He wanted no part of this. We at least got him to sit on Santas lap, but he was not happy about it. Julie and all of the helpers tried to get John to smile for the camera. I told them to not fight it and just take a real Holiday picture we might remember. The only thing that would have made this picture better is if John had fresh "fear drizzle" in his pants.

Later that day John realized that he blew his chance to tell Santa what he wanted. He freaked out and wanted to go back. It reminded me of Ralphie from a "Christmas Story". Only after promising that we would write a letter to the North Pole did he start to calm down.