An Early Bodden Christmas......and the Grey Cup Too!

Saturday, November 28th and Sunday, November 29th, 2009

Vernon, British Columbia

The house looked great as always. Always nice to see Dad's hard work.

Ok so I probably should have explained in my previous post the reason for my most recent trip home. I am sure some of you are thinking (because I know I was) it was so soon for me to return after just moving back to NYC and starting my new job. The reason was that Debi and Scotty (the boyfriend....or as Mom refers to him "Debi's Partner".....so funny) were preparing to move to Australia (where Scotty is from) but they were making a stop in Vernon before hand and we thought it would be fun to all get together. Of course Steve and Heather also came for a visit so the event marked the first time all the Boddens had been in the same country since Steve and Heather's Wedding in July of 2008.

What a good looking family. Finally we have found someone to add to the picture who is taller than Debi. I am of course referring to Scotty.

Yes it has been a long time and you would think it would be easier to get the 3 of us in the same spot but since it has in fact been around 16 months I was going to have to go with. Plus I negotiated the time off in my contract so I really had no excuse not to be there.

So we had this great idea that we would celebrate Christmas early, since it had been so long since we had celebrated Christmas together......and we did. The tree was all set up, you have already seen the lights on the house and there were even presents......lots and lots of presents.

Look at all those presents. I did miss out on decorating the tree....seems like forever since I have gotten to decorate a tree. Maybe next year.

Heather showing off her new Blue Jays hat. She will need that once her and Steve move to Milton (just outside Toronto). Don't worry, Steve got one too and they make a great replacement for the Yankees hats I have caught them wearing. In case you didn't guess....they came from me.

Debi and Scotty showing off their Vancouver Olympic gear. Not sure they need the mitts in Australia but I must say, I have a pair of those red mitts and just love them. I hear they are pretty hard to come by these days. So glad I bought mine early.

Dad opening a gift from me. He seems to not even notice the camera.....because he was so excited about the gift. Uncle Andy saw it later and wanted one just like it.

In case you can't read it, the sign says "What happens in the garage, stays in the garage". I found it while wandering the streets of NYC, as I have often been known to do.

Of course Christmas dinner on Sunday could not be a Bodden only even so the whole Okanagan family was invited.

The "adult" table enjoying dinner. Looks like Dad is refusing to wear his crown again.

The house was very full, the food was very good and of course there was a football game to watch....you know the Grey Cup. Mom was under the impression that only about 2 of us would be interested in the game but when Uncle Tom showed up with the pool all set up and people started paying money for squares I knew that Dad and I would not be the only ones watching. Most of us were cheering for the Rough Riders......who of course lost.....due to a "too many men on the field" penalty on the final play of the game that gave the Alouettes a second chance at the field goal they had just missed (moving on).....except Uncle Andy who was very happy to see the Alouettes pull it out (there is a chance he had some money on this game).

Enjoying some wine and the view. That is Uncle Andy hiding behind the door.

Let's see....Mom, Auntie Faye, Heather and I...hanging out with some wine next to some food. Yeah, that sounds about right.

As always it was a great time had by all. It is always loud but still enjoyable when the whole family gets together. I guess we better enjoy it when we can because it may be a little bit longer than 16 months before we can get us all together again.

Julie