Work was very busy with holiday parties for both our production staff and our office employees. As I was in-charge of both events, that meant many long days at work in December, but it was worth it because they both turned out great. At our office party the winners of the 2011 Outstanding Achievement Award were announced. The nominees for the award were announced a few weeks before the party and I was honored to be nominated and truly thought that is where it would end. I was quite surprised when my manager got up to describe the first winner and started talking about me! I don't write about work much on this blog, but I truly do love my job and my manager. Winning this award after being at the company for only a year and a half was a shock to say the least. I am so grateful to have a job I enjoy with a wonderful company.
The picture came out blurry, but you get the idea. The winners and the management team.
We decided to do gifts for each other before heading out of town. I am now the proud owner of a sewing machine!
Next came our trip down to CA to spend Christmas with the Bonham side of the family. We lucked out and had great weather on the drive down. On Christmas Eve we went down to Susanville to visit the rest of the family. We spent some with with Grandma Jeanne and cousin Daryl, who we haven't seen since the wedding. After lunch we ventured over to the Bonham's to see Grandma Marlee, Grandpa Jack and Aunt Sue. Unfortunately we had to hit the road before Bill, Verlene and Kara arrived.
Christmas was spent opening stockings and enjoying bread pudding. Zeke, Katherine and the boys came over in the morning and the present opening continued. The boys were patient and took turns opening.
The hit of the day was from Jerry and LaDel - a kids basketball set.
After it warmed up a little outside the brothers assembled the hoop and it was time to play. The boys were interested for a few minutes and then wandered off. Of course this meant that the grown-ups could have a turn. At least an hour later, after we had all practically worked up a sweat playing we put it away and went back inside. Hope the kids enjoy it as much as the grown-ups did!
We spent a couple more days hanging out with the family, playing games and lots of laughing. Weather was rolling in so we ended up leaving a day before we had planned to, but we were thankfully to have mostly dry road for the trip home. It was another great holiday season and a good trip to CA.
New Year's was quiet for us this year, which was just fine by me. I actually stayed up to watch the ball drop and enjoy a glass of champagne, then it was time for bed!
So long 2011. Bring on 2012.