Monday, July 12, 2010

Heilmans - Christmas in July

I've nevered done a "Christmas in July" before. But I can say it beats not having to drive on icy roads. And the weather was just great. Lisa and Al (Gary's brother) had lots of trees on their property which gave us much needed shade. Lisa and Al have taken an old farm house and upgraded it. They call it their, "Money Pit" I just loved the driveway with the engraved Heilman's rock.

Here is one of the side view of their home.


Knowing that most of the time this blended family gets together someone is missing due to work or other engagements..so the first thing I wanted because we were ALL there was to get a family photo. Hurray!!




Of course we had to have grandmother with all of her grandchildren!!




Then the guys...minus Sam!






Oh, here we have Sam with his mom!! I loved taking Sam for a stroller ride while we were at this event.






Just love this snapshot that Ann-Marie took. Brigitte just HATES to have anyone take her photo. Good job Ann-Marie! It's a great photo of brother and sister.
Since it was a Christmas party, you could bring a white elephant gift. Sometimes you end of with something really nice like...








a pair of driving gloves. That what's Ingrid got.









Above is a photo of Gary's two brothers Donny and Al.








It was so great that Dave and Camille brought along that toss game.












Andrew wasn't too intereted in at first, but as he watched us played, he decided to join the group. And he and his dad beat Gary and me.












Ann-Marie is wondering about this game...after all she is a lefty!! I think that her and Brett lost to Dave and Camille














While we were eating, a strong wind came up and we asked people to just grab a pole so the tent wouldn't fall down. Sam was such a trooper in helping out with the help of mom.













Donny's dog EJ was the best friend for Brigitte.
It was a small group, but that was nice because you really got to visit with each other. I'm still getting to know more about the Heilman clan...like I found out that Ingrid was born in Germany and her parents came to the States when she was two years old. Gary didn't even know that!!!!















Then as always, it was time to head home. Great food. Great photos. Great family. Great clouds to look at on route 75!!