Christmas in Memphis

Every year we fight with logistics to bring together all the scattered pieces of our extended and beloved family.  We used to make the pilgrimage to Tucson every year, where both sets of grandparents were, but now there are grandkids and step parents and in laws of all varieties and when it comes right down to it, we are nationwide!  Los Angeles, Phoenix, Denver, Memphis, Carthage, NY, and Oxford, MS. 

And Tucson.

So we had as many as possible in Denver for Christmas eve, and then flew the grandma from Tucson to Memphis to spend time with her great grandson!  We delayed that celebration to Dec 26 to allow everyone in Memphis and Oxford their other family celebrations, and we met one of the Denver in laws in Memphis to overlap a day or so as well.  It all works.  Because we are all an "inclusive" vs "exclusive" type of family.  Oh, and most of us camp, so an air mattress or two doesn't bother us. 

There's always a lasagna or two made for one group or another, a turkey tetrazzini and a ham or three.  This year it was three.  One group is all about paper plates, the other is the family crystal, china and silver.  And somehow it all works.  And now that Gigi (great grandma) has discovered wheelchair service between gates to alleviate all worry on connecting flights, we may never keep her home again!  She's planning her next visit to see her great grandson this spring:)

They say "the Delta begins in the lobby of The Peabody", so we stopped for coffee and treats and to see the ducks march as well.  In Denver, we had a lovely party in our building, complete with Cirque de Soleil level performers.  All in all, a memorable Christmas this year!