Christmas In Ossian

Some happy holiday photos for you to enjoy… since I know your wish is to vicariously celebrate with the Ossian Crew!

Nathan & The Gal get all dolled up to attend The Firm’s holiday party, December 3.

Daddio & Mums in their holiday party attire, as they attend the Town of Ossian’s Holiday Party on December 5(?). [Note that top that Mums is wearing? I picked out that exact same top to wear to a winter Wine & Cheese party back in Valpo, completely unaware that Mums had previously picked out that top to wear to her holiday party. What can I say... great minds think alike!]

At Christmas Eve dinner, from L to R: Larraine (Grandma), Alex (brother, age 21), Dave Rigney (Ossian police chief & family friend), and John (uncle).

My Grandma, Larraine

I told Grandma that she probably can’t ever deny that she’s related to me… I see a pretty strong family resemblance, don’t you? (Not to mention that we’re all twins-ish in our matching sweaters!)
I take a seat on the sofa with Grandma and Mums.
Remember when the five kids were much, much smaller relative to the Christmas tree in the background? Clockwise, starting with back left: Patrick (cousin, age 14), Alex, Chaz (brother, age 17), Sam (cousin, will be 18 in a few weeks), and the Princess of the bunch, The Gal.

Patrick, me, and Sam in front of the Shafers’ (Patrick & Sam’s) Christmas tree.

Back at our house after Christmas Eve dinner, Alex received his graduation gift: an ornate, gothic-style wall clock from Mums & Daddio. The clock has a pendulum (not pictured) but is actually set via radio waves to the atomic clock. It’s always accurate, which is good, since one of Alex’s little OCDs in life is being PRECISELY on time, all the time.

I cuddle with Ernie, who did end up receiving a present on Christmas morning, despite his certain permanent place on Santa’s “naughty” list.

The kids pose in front of the family Christmas tree… and The Gal demonstrates why being the “Big Sister” is really a title thing, and certainly no reflection of the actual relative size of the siblings. (That isn’t a camera angle thing–my brothers are actually about 9 inches taller than me. Lex is 6’2″ and Chaz is 6’3″. Me? Not so much for the tall. Sigh.)

The Family Christmas Photo… thanks to Sam for being our improptu photographer!

A Christmas-morning photo of the Bracke family tree and gifts… with a small gathering of baby animals at the foot of the tree.

Merry Christmas from “Santa” Bert, Harry, Izzy, and the Ossian Crew!