Christmas Dinner 2013 - London Style

Merry Christmas!!

Ryan and Grace were the first ones up today at 7:00 a.m.  They ripped open a pile of gifts while the rest of the Mellors were still in bed...still a little jet lagged.  Garett has been in "his office" all day.  He brined a turkey, made sausage and apple stuffing, cranberry and orange sauce, fondant potatoes ("hockey puck potatoes" according to Terri) and roasted brussels sprouts with pancetta and pistachios.  He also made a lemon meringue pie, which is delicious but very tart!

We enjoyed a couple of British traditions, such as mince pies and Christmas crackers.  Everyone wore their Christmas crown for dinner.

The kids are starting to slow down.  I will have to have a word with Santa about putting loud clacking toys in Ryan's stocking.  Somehow they mysteriously disappeared this afternoon. We've Skyped a lot today and we still have a couple more calls to make.  We hope you are having a wonderful Christmas wherever you are.  We miss all of you!

love,

Shelly

Elizabeth and Ryan discussing the best strategy to open a Christmas cracker

A classic Grandpa Voecks photo op of everyone around the dinner table (that's Terrance the bull on the wall above the mirror wearing a festive Santa hat)

Christmas crowns at dinner

Paul sampling one of Garett's tasty mince pies

Shelly and Garett pause in the middle of the Christmas action

Is that Dave from Despicable Me?  Oh never mind, it's just Garett...(and Grace)

Ryan and Grace posing with Santa's loot

Happy Christmas!