Phil and Toni Roberts had their traditional Christmas Eve supper of canned salmon and fried potatoes with part of the family attending--Chris and Brenda Roberts with Lindsay, Sarah, Geoff and Karen, and Lori and Tim Bardole with Cassie, Schyler and Gabe all of rural Rippey. Since the Rippey church service had been cancelled, they all enjoyed a leisurely meal and got a sneak preview of the service when Lindsay and Brenda sang “O Holy Night” while accompanied by Sarah on the piano. The Roberts’ “big Christmas” was on Dec 26 when the whole family gathered including Tony and Wendy Burkett of Winterset with their girls, Josie, Addie, and Lily and Matt and Stephanie Roberts of Jefferson with Mallory, Morgan, and Marshall. Also attending was Lauren King of Adaza, a friend of Schyler. The family had a choice of Phil’s potato soup or Stephanie’s vegetable soup and ham sandwiches. Phil has decided to "up the ante" next year as the “Irish offspring” went through more than 20 lbs of potatoes in two days time! After the meal the grandkids drew numbers and participated in a Chinese present exchange with much laughter and stealing of gifts. Next the adults took their turn and had as much fun as the kids! The little ones didn’t participate but had their own gifts from Grandma and Grandpa--Lily’s feet never even touched the ground with so many older cousins wanting to hold her. One of the “regular” gifts to the older grandkids was an order blank for a choice of pepperoni bread, cookies or Grandpa’s soup to take home or back to college. Thus this week has been baking week for Toni. They were so thankful to have all the family close and able to attend the festivities.

Holiday visitors with Dale and Nancy Hanaman were Sarah and Benji Pearson, Steven, Elizabeth and Andrea, Superior, WI, and Matthew Hanaman, Adrianna and Adyara, St. Paul, MN. The intrepid explorers spent much time playing in the snow and even constructed a snow house complete with underground tunnels. While the family was visiting, they celebrated Sarah’s birthday on Dec. 28th.

Sue Muir will be celebrating her birthday on January 15.  Cards may be sent to her home at 2441 U Ave, Rippey, IA  50235.