The Heinles hosted the Vukelic clan December 23 and it couldn't have been a better day.  There was just enough snow to cover the ground but not enough to require shoveling.  Temperatures were in the 30s and there was little wind.

Franci and Neil had a great feast.  Everything from knoephla soup to turkey and ham, was delicious.  After a sumptuous meal, we opened gifts.  Like last year, everyone bought a present and put it under the tree.  We then drew cards and the one with the lowest number chose a present.  Everybody saw what it was.  Then the next person had a choice: take the present already opened or go the tree for a new one.  This process was repeated to much laughter.

 I'm not sure Jenna was wild about getting a quesadilla maker.  Not to worry, someone took it off here hands a few moments later.

Bill ended up with some fishing gear (surprise, surprise) while Elaine got a DVD.  I had to swipe a neat hooded sweatshirt which was adorned with a drawing of several Mott businesses.

Our hosts:  Jay, Franci, Jenna and Neil (and Teddy)

Jim, Pam, Meredith and Reed relax

Before and after dinner, we enjoyed some games.

In teams of two, we competed in a game of Cranium.  It's sort of a cross between Trivial Pursuit, charades, and Pictionary.  In addition, players sometimes have to mold something out of Playdough or whistle a tune.  After a thrilling come-from-behind victory,  teammates Jim and Pam amazed and amused the youngsters by engaging in a victory belly bump.  Now there's an image you'd just as soon eradicate from your memory bank, I'll bet.

Meanwhile, at the other table, players listened closely to the clues given in Catchphrase.  The object there, is to get someone in the group to name the phrase on the electronic gizmo in Bill's hand.  Then you get to pass it on to the next person.  A timer ticks loudly throughout the round and the person holding the gizmo when time runs out loses.

Judging by the whooping and hollering, it must have been a lively game.

Here's lookin' at you, kid.  Hope you had Happy Holidays!

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