New Year's Eve

Having completed all the Christmas celebrations it was time to head back South.

Having had all of the winter we wanted, we left B/N on the 26th leaving a chilly 37 degrees.

Spent my birthday on the road and somewhere between KY and FL I ended up with a cold, which of course I shared with Don. We got back to Fort Myers Beach on the 28th and the temp was 69 degrees - much better!

We spent New Years Eve on the beach. The weather was very nice. 

We rode the trolley to the beach at 8:30 so we could bring in the New Year with the fireworks at midnight. Can't even recall the last time I stayed up until midnight to bring in the new year. Guess that is another perk of retirement.  Anyway we waited at the beach for about 3 hours to see 6 minutes of fireworks. But it was all worth it.

While we were waiting several people launched these sky lanterns. They were paper with a square of cardboard that was started on fire. Then just like hot air balloons they would float away. There would be about 25 in the air at time and it was very fun to watch them float away to the gulf.

Finally starting.

After the fireworks finished we were able to catch the trolley again and were back home by 12:30. So I made it to midnight, but still not much of a party animal.

The Big Game

December 25, 2011 was more than just Christmas Day. 

It was the day for the Big Game - Green Bay Packers vs Chicago Bears.

The Dodson clan were decked out in Green & Gold with one person wearing the Blue. 

He made the Mac n Cheese so we let him stay.

Proud Grandpa

Final score was Bears 21, Packers 35. It was a great present for Packer Fans. 

It was also the 4th time in 2011 that the Packers beat the Bears.

More Christmas Day

After the kids were done it was the adults turn to open. Guess we were all good this year - it took us awhile to complete.

Christmas Day

Christmas Day was spent at Randy & Milly's. We started with breakfast cooked by Randy.

After breakfast it was present time!!

Delivered by the cutest elves :)

Then came the best part - OPENING THEM.....

Christmas Eve

We spent Christmas Eve at Mom's. Last year Milly & I decided we would play the "gift game" and since it was so much fun we did it again this year. We ask Christmas trivia and the person that answers correctly gets to select a gift from under the tree. Or they can take away one from someone that already has a gift.

After we finished there we went home to see if Santa made it to our house. 

We did not put up a tree this year but he was able to find a place for them anyway.

Don's Gifts

Linda's Gifts

Looks like we both must have been good this year.

Alsman Christmas

We had Christmas with the kids at the IBEW hall this year. We had lots of room and it was a lot easier for the grandparents. But since we were so spread out I did not get very many pictures. Here are just a few.

Christmas in Illinois

We couldn't have Christmas without the man in the red suit. He made a visit to a special little girl & boy while they in town. I am not sure who had more fun - the kids or Santa.

Checking to see who is out there

Of course I have been good this year....

I want a train and some trucks and another train........

It just does not get any better than this.