On New Years Day the Alexander Clan assembled for the annual Christmas/New years Party. The house was bussling with activity and food - soups, sandwiches, and what is now know as Chris's crack-pot chili. Outlaw Chris brought chili in a crockpot, but was having trouble getting it heated up, so he took the ceramic insert out of the crockpot and placed it on the stove burner to heat up a little faster. At some point, I noticed that Lisa, Laura, and Martha were creating quite a fuss around the stove, and kind of whispering to each other like they didn't want to draw attention to whatever was happening over there. I thought that some chili had bubbled over onto the burner, which to me seems like no big deal, but to the Alexander set, it's major cause for alarm. Turns out that what really happened was that the bottom of the ceramic pot had broken and the chili had expelled itself all over the burner and top of the stove. I took this photo after most of it had been cleaned up. Of course, the cleaned it up so well, the stovetop looks better than it has in two years.
Luckily, we weren't about to go hungry.
The Star Wars conversation table.
The hunting conversation table.
The girl talk table.
Lounging in the livingroom.
Patches enjoyed lots of attention.
Time for dessert.
Then a Star Wars Christmas play, written by Jacob. Jacob is Luke Skywalker and Cole is Obi Wan.
Heather as Princess Leia. Jacob was also the voice of Yoda.
A clone trooper and Darth Vader.
More Clone troopers move in to attack. In the end, Darth Vader is lured from the Dark Side when h e learns the tru meaning of Christmas from his son, Luke.
A song to the Star Wars theme.
The audience, clearly enjoying the show.
When Elijah first arrived at the house, he hid behind Sandy's legs and didn't want anyone to look at him, but once he discovered the spotlight, there was no getting him off the stage.
Happy New Year!
Very fun remembering such a special day. Thank you so much Wes and Darlene for hosting such a rowdy bunch!
ReplyDeleteWe all had such a nice time and will have memories to last a lifetime!
Awesome pictures Darlene! We had a great time sledding, watching the sky lanterns go up and playing Family Feud, Trivia and Password. Paul especially loved playing with Patches and Spike! Thank you! Happy 2011!
ReplyDeleteLaura
Darlene, I appreciate Chris taking the blame for the cracked pot chili! That is just the way it happened! Hee Hee! We had a great time, lots of laughter,but now looking at the photo, wish I had another piece of Wayne's raspberry pie!! The sledding was so much fun, especially trying to bounce my neices and nephews "off the track!" Having many of us all there together, was the highlight of my Christmas season! Thanks to everyone!
ReplyDeleteThanks again Darlene and Wes for sharing the "family homestead". I was thinking as I drove home that night what a blessing it is that ALL our family (siblings, children, grandchildren, and "outlaws")are all well. When you think about it, that is truly the greatest gift of all!!!
ReplyDeleteP.S. I rallied Jacob from his sick bed to take a look at this blog and the past one. He was smiling and giggling - such great memories for him now too!
Love, Mary :)
Just to set the record straight:
ReplyDeleteMom made the two raspberry pies and Cedric made the two blackberry pies.
I believe Paul Geigle is responsible for the cracked crock pot, not Chris. Paul was anxious to have Chris's chili and put the liner on the stove top on a higher temperature than he should have. Or perhaps the crock pot had seen better days.
I'm giggling at the chili explosion mystery...
ReplyDeleteWill we EVER know the true story of the crack-pot chili?
Maybe Jonaie can do a Christmas card about that next year, hehe!
I'll mirror Martha by saying that your party was the absolute highlight of our holiday season, Darlene. Thanks so much for hosting- we had a wonderful time!
Sorry Joanie for mutilating the spelling of your name...I really should spell-check before hitting that "post" button!
ReplyDeleteWell, what can I say without bursting into sobs? We enjoyed the photos from afar. thanks Darlene.
ReplyDeleteJust learned this evening that it was MARTHA who put the chili crock pot on the burner at a too high heat!
ReplyDeleteMy apologies to Paul Geigle for blaming him!
Hey, I was there and I thought it was Chris---are you telling me that it was Mart all along?? I had such a great time at the gathering...singing Still, Still, Still and Christmas Is, our old standard, and a few How the West was one favorites that snuck in; the kid's play; sliding, the great surprise of the sky lanterns, the great food (I don't think I ever told you, Darelene, that the gingerbread trifle was as yummy to eat as it was beautiful to look at) and a few rounds of family feud with the hangers-on...a great time, thanks for having us. When I told Lisa I had had such a great time visiting, she commented, "I noticed you weren't in the kitchen!" (I avoided the chili cleanup!)All great memories.
ReplyDeleteSAM
Joan may have avoided the kitchen the day of the party, but you must know she did her share the day before. She spent two hours with Darlene cleaning and setting up for the party.
ReplyDeletewhat I want to know is, is there a list of items left behind? And Darlene, did you buy a special glass dish for the trifle, or did you have it already?
ReplyDeleteI didn't send out a list of forgotten items - Finders keepers! Just kidding. Most people called the next day or so to report what they'd left behind. Why? Are you missing something? I bought the trifle bowl especially for this - $6 at Walmart (don't tell anyone) - I'd been wanting one for a long time so thought this was a good reason and good price.
ReplyDeleteComments from Paul (the Outlaw): "I am not going to take the blame for the cracked liner, thank you very much! But I will admit to being overly anxious to eat (comment from Laura--he thinks about food 24/7) Chris' award winning chilli. I got in two bowls before the mishap, and it was simply delicious!! Ha Ha Ha
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