Osty's Ventures: December 2011

What a beautiful Christmas morning from my hometown of Sheridan, Wyoming. It is so very nice to be home once again to share the Christmas holidays with my family. We have a lot of family traditions which make this time of year even more special.

Here is my dad packaging up his famous Tom and Jerry batter and his homemade Polish whiskey for some good family friends.

Here is my mom preparing the walnuts for our poteesa.

Now we spread the honey and walnut mixture on the dough. We always make sure we have lots of filling!! :0)

As I was washing dishes, I snapped this beautiful picture from Bob and Deb's kitchen window.

Rosie had to survey the situation.

Here is Debbie rolling out her famous sugar cookies.

I worked on the Krinkle cookies.

Rach worked on the thumbprints.

Eric was the official taste tester while Debbie, Rach, Jessica, and I were the bakers.

Our 2011 baking extravaganza

The other members of the family stayed occupied as well.

Here is Eric lounging.

Jessica checking things out on her computer.

Rach and I goofing around.

Bob was busy cleaning since they are in the middle of a remodeling project.

Family favorites...raspberry thumbprints

Krinkle cookies right out of the oven...yummy!

Here is part of the crew gathered for dinner on Friday night.

My sister, Cathy, and her kids: Danny, Brittany, and Faith

A giant bear hug...compliments of Brandon

Rachel and Aunt Lulu on Christmas Eve

Debbie and Mom

Rach and her mom, Debbie

Brandon was a good helper by helping prepare Christmas Eve dinner.

Here is a nice picture of Eric and Jessica.

Uncle Darrell and Brandon

Dakota thought I needed some lovin'!!

A Polish tradition...the passing and sharing of holy bread while giving each other Christmas wishes and blessings for the New Year

Timmy and Donna Jo

Look at all of the pretty presents!

Grandpa and Eric

Jessica showcasing her pretty present.

Dakota helped Brandon by passing out the small presents. :0)

Rach's present to me...how pretty!!

Bob displaying Mom's new swimsuit. Too funny!

Brandon was pleased with his new Central Rams sweatshirt.

Dave is in the corner checking out his new BBQ cookbook...475 recipes!!

Eric was very enthused with his new massive coffee mug and coffee beans from Starbucks.

Rach loved her new lia sophia earrings compliments of Aunt Lulu!!

Jessica was led on a scavenger hunt for her Christmas gift. It was very fun to watch!!

Here is one very surprised Auntie Lulu!! I had just unwrapped a beautiful Pandora bracelet. Thanks so much, Rach!!! I absolutely love it!! :0)

Rach thoroughly enjoyed the new childrens' books to add to her collection and soon-to-be classroom. :)

Of course, the "lucky" recipient of Darrell's gifts, is always in for a gag gift. He always buys great gifts, but one of them is always a very well thought out gag gift. This year one of Melanie's presents was surrounded by foam insulation, so she had to fight through it (as shown in the picture) to get to the gift at the bottom of the box. I hope it was worth it, Melanie!!