Clair, Ninja, and I spent Christmas Day with Clair’s dad’s family out at the family farm in Wabasha, MN. As usual, there was too much to eat. We played some snow football to work off the gluttony. At sunset, the score was tied which seemed like a good time to end the game. Elaine, Clair’s grandma, thought that was a very nice idea. Clair’s aunt Mary was not so elated. I guess she’s not happy unless she can laugh at the losers. Afterward, we played a charade-like game, guys vs. girls. It was a close game, but the women won. I think we all agreed that that was the best outcome possible.

Clair, cousin Nick, LuAnn, and hound dog Frodo

This year, we had Christmas with my parents BEFORE Christmas. It worked out pretty well. We showed up in Chippewa Falls on Friday, December 21. The first thing we did was check into the glorious Indianhead Motel. It is the cheapest hotel in Chippewa Falls, and now we know why. It was a concrete cube with a toilet and a shower. It was nice they were dog friendly, but next time we’ll hit up a nicer hotel closer to my parents’ house.

On Saturday, the whole family showed up. Tammy and Mike, their 4 kids, Scott, his 4 kids, his new girlfriend Jo, and her son Adam. With Mom, Woody, Clair, and I, the house was FULL! Also, we brought Ninja and Scott brought Oreo. Here are the dogs with Machiah:

After dinner and presents, the kids were excited to bust out the Wii. It didn’t take long before the adults were joining in. Here, Scott is showing us what’s what in Bowling:

I’m pretty certain that all of my relatives can kick my butt at Bowling on the Wii. I have Tennis, though.