Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas!  I made our traditional Italian fish feast for Christmas Eve. Most call it the "Feast of the Seven Fishes," but I make more fish than that, and also many vegetables and rice balls. I serve buffet style with everyone helping themselves. Our dining room table extended into our living room, as beside family, we had our son's in laws and a friend as dinner guests.

Our grandchildren were very patient and waited until after dinner to open their gifts.  They were very excited to get surprise gifts, as well as special hoped for presents.

This photo made me smile as the granddaughters had fun playing with the wrapping paper, bows and boxes!

Dessert on Christmas Eve were the many Christmas cookies I baked--some regular and some gluten free, as well as a.....

... gluten free black forest trifle! It is composed of layers of gluten free chocolate cake, chocolate pudding, cherries and whip cream. It was a definite hit with the grandsons.

Christmas Day, my husband and I were at my daughter and son-in-law's home, while our son and daughter-in-law and children were at their in-laws. My son-in-law cooked a delicious ham, turkey and eggplant parmigiana dinner and our granddaughter had fun showing us all the gifts Santa Claus brought to her. 

During the Christmas vacation from school we took our three oldest grandchildren to the History Colorado Center in Denver, Colorado.  I blogged about this unique museum in depth on this post. 
There was a gingerbread house exhibit, of Denver landmarks, made by students at local art schools, in the lobby of the center, which the children enjoyed looking at when we first walked in.

The History Colorado Center is a wonderful "hands on" center for adults and children that brings visitors back in time to Colorado's early to present days. We spent a few hours working on a farm, working in the mines, driving through the plains on a rural road, learning about snow pack, the beginning of the ski industry, and learning about important historical events and people in Colorado.

My grandchildren especially enjoyed the simulated ski jump exhibit that gives one the feeling of jumping off the ski jump on Woodchuck Hill in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. It was built by Norwegian born skier Carl Howelsen for the 1914 inaugural Winter Carnival. As one steps on the skis a short instruction video is shown and then the simulation of skiing, complete with the skis tilting and air blowing in your face.  My oldest grandson did a great  job every time he tried and won many a "gold medal"!  He also helped his younger brother and cousin do their "jumps!" 

Sadly, the "Elf on the Shelf" played a trick on us this year, and passed around the stomach flu among some of our family, so our New Year's Eve celebrations were low key and food and champagne-less. Maybe not such a bad way to begin the New Year after so many prior celebrations and treats?  Thankfully, we are all feeling better and are now ready to make 2017 a year filled with joy and new experiences.  I hope you will return to my blog to see where I'll take you next. I'm always visiting new places and learning new things and love to share them with you.

Have a Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous 2017!

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All Seasons, Blue Monday,  Through My Lens Monday, Mosaic Monday, Life Through the Lens Monday, Mellow Yellow Monday, Inspiration Monday, Good Random Fun, Nature Notes, Grand Social, Our World Tuesday, Ruby Tuesday,Wanderful Wednesday,Wordless Wednesday, Oh My Heartsie Girl's Wonderful Wednesday, Outdoor Wednesday, Share Your Cup Thursday,Little Things Thursday, Travel Photo Thursday, Thankful Thursday, Friday Photo Journal, Skywatch Friday, Sweet Inspiration, Weekend Travel Inspiration, Friday Features, Pink Saturday

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