it was a bit of a whirlwind

The umpteenth annual CFC was preceded this year with the reinstitution of the Cookie Caper from years ago.  Niece, Cousin, and now Aunt Susan brought back Aunt Eleanor's Cookie Caper hosted at Aunt Marie's.  Old recipes were used by the youngest set, offspring of the 2nd generation who used the same recipes as children.

The basement in Mark and Marie's home also was an entertainment center.  Clean up in both places was probably a challenge.  Well certainly, not probably.

I like the shirts.  Seem appropriate.

Are appropriate.

the kitchen was full — and events documented too.

 and the fruits of labor enjoyed with lunch.

While the cookies were cooking, the 1st Annual CGO was being played on one beautiful and not quite as cold a day as it appeared to be.

The actual CFC held in our house with activities centered in the basement was a whirlwind of activity with lots of kids, presents and movement.

This event, like the cookie caper, was held under the cloud of the state and nation wide virus that has been causing stomach and lower intestinal distress across all age groups, especially the younger ones.  Our families were no exceptions. Plural is intentional— multigenerational is included.  For a while my attendance was in doubt as I spent time in the emergency room with bleeding associated with the virus. — and sure enough, after the event, more people were sick.  Whether or not attendance was the culprit, we will just have assume it was not.

Tags were read.

occasional levity broke out.

Uncle Lelly even found humor in the evening.

off the books trades were brokered 

(the CFC group photo goes here).

The next day was a Sunday and after church we enjoyed the Panthers victory — and the kids continued their development as football fans, knowledgeable ones at that too. And then we were able to do the family photo - with all, or nearly all eyes, toward the camera.

and Patt and I are quite happy.

(Thanks to James and others for the photos!)