What a great week!

Well it has been a busy and crazy week but we loved it. Ric, Diona and girls got here on Wed. 12/17 in the evening. We had borrowed an RV as an extra sleeping space and that worked out well even though it was cold. On Friday, Ray, Brandie and kids came to town. Now the house was full but the cousins didn't seem to notice it. Of course Saturday was the family party. That was too awesome to have so many relatives together just to visit and enjoy each other's company. All those little kids are growing so fast! I was so glad to have mom and dad back in Blythe and so grateful that it all worked out for them to get the ride here and home again. Even though the party ended fairly early (for all the long travels home) we, the Boltons, stayed up late playing games. After church on Sunday, we played more games and ate leftovers all day. We had a fun gift exchange and then the Lakewood Boltons had to head home.
I got up early Monday because I had not done my Christmas shopping yet! So I went to Palm Desert by myself and spent 8 hours shopping. In the meantime, Ric's family and Amy with her kids headed for North Palm Springs to go on the Tram and go play in the snow for the day. But they didn't even make it there. It was too windy and foggy for the tram so they also spent the day shopping (at Cabazon outlet stores). Tuesday was our lazy day except for the gift wrapping. Wednesday morning was our Christmas and Santa did find his way to our house. Since Cameron and Faith got a WII, we spent the rest of the day bowling, playing golf and tennis and fishing. Oh, and lots of car racing. But there were many other nice gifts shared. Ray is now looking forward to a sunny day so he can try his hand at real golf with his new golf clubs from Ric and Diona and girls. His sons love the game so he is anxious to give it a try too.
Unfortunately, all good times have to come to an end and early Thursday morning we had to say goodbye to the Virginia Boltons. They made it home late Thurs. evening and I am sure they are all glad to be home and sleeping in their own beds. Ray and Amy had to work today so Ryan, the kids and I spent the day cleaning up and started the Christmas take-down.
I'm sure it will take a whole week to get it all down and put away and the house back together again. Now I am exhausted and ready for bed. Thanks to all of you for your cards, pictures and the holiday letters, I love to hear from all of you. I will be sending out a letter with pictures after the first of the year. Hope everyone had a great Christmas and that you all will have a happy and safe New Year. 2008 was great and 2009 should be just as fine!