Bruce, Wisconsin

 December 24, 2000  Posted in Uncategorized

The Dearhamer Christmas Party wasn’t until Christmas Day, 12/25, so we planned a surprise birthday party at Grandma Anita’s.

Bridget and Savannah wasn’t going to arrive until about 8:30pm, so we had plenty of time to put up some ribbons and hide before she arrived.

It was also the dearhamer tradition to gather and have the annual Dearhamer Christmas Eve Oyster Stew.

Attendees include Grandpa Doug and Grandma Anita, Dougie, Bridget, Andy, Tracy, Josh, Vickie, Rickey, Chris and Tina.
The children were there for the festivities as well – Savannah, Jerry, Brittney, Dezi, Faith and Marissa.

The Dearhamer Christmas Tree. Always filled with presents galore.
I picked Grandma Billie up from her home to Dearhamer Hill, the site of the surprise birthday party for Savannah, as well as the annual oyster stew.

Grandma cooked on while Doug watched.
Supposedly Dougie used to help cook the oyster stew, but it’s been a few years since he’s in charge of the cooking… not anymore – he is seen here preparing the milk soup base for the stew…
… while Andy watches on.
Brittney having fun on the computer.
The entrance. I decorated it with ribbons and the table was all filed with munchies and party games… I really didn’t think that Savannah would figure the “surprise” out… Bridget had called minutes before arriving, so we all hid and turned off the lights…
But of course… smart as Savannah was, she walked in and noticed the ribbons immediately – and whispered “Thank you” in Bridget’s ears even before we all jumped out and shouted “Surprise!”…

Savannah is the real schlau girl.
Savannah immediately spots her kitty, City Cat, and plays with him… not sure if CC enjoys it or not… ;P
Tracy and Brittney being shy…
While Dezi isn’t bashful at all – showing off her new braces.
The bathroom was officially reserved for Grandma Nita.
Grandma Anita’s home made apple cider.
Bridget and City Cat
City Cat got two presents from Savannah, and immediatly he starts playing with it. Here we see him hiding in a paper bag. occasionally attacking the moving toy…
Finally Grandma Billie got her hug from Savannah.
Chris and Josh relaxing, waiting for the food to be served.
Jerry and Justin driving around downtown Chicago in Midtown Madness, a driving game from Microsoft.
Looks like City Cat is ready to attack Sleepy, Savannah’s stuffed animal I bought for her in Japan.
Savannah carries City Cat in the paper bag… all in all 15 pounds…
Grandma Billie was amazed how heavy City Cat was…
Grandma Anita and Tina getting the stuffed mushrooms ready for serving.
Bridget chatting away with Vickie, who is just a month or two away from the delivery date of her and Josh’s new baby…
After the wonderful meal, time for Savannah to open her birthday presents… Here we have Jerry video taping the present-opening event…
Even City Cat tried to help Savannah unwrap presents…
Grandma Billie
Grandpa Doug
Josh, Vickie, Chris, and Marissa
Josh Hultman
Rickey, Savannah and Grandma Billie
Good night City Cat. Tomorrow is Christmas Day. More Presents!
Christmas day. Woke up to the last Christmas solar eclipse in a long time… Present opening day!


What the sun looked like through welding glasses. Pushing the limit of the CCD on my CoolPix digital camera.
Andy, Tracy, Dezi, Brittney, and Jerry came over before noon…
Grandma Nita and Tracy.
Grandma Billie came over with delicious home-baked goods.
BAM! Jerry came in and asked for help – it was slippery and Robert (Jackie’s father) missed the turn and the F150 met the telephone pole (and the ditch).
Jerry Dearhamer supervising the crew helping Roger get the truck out of the ditch
Robert Haas, professional truck driver (just kidding!)
What the sun looked like at around 12:10pm.
Last minute gift-wrapping by Dezi
Brittney and Savannah munching on the chocolate bread from Grandma Billie.
Robert reporting the truck “incident”…
Doug Dearhamer in highschool.
The solar eclipse at 12:25pm.
“Mommy – when can we open out presents?”

“As soon as you gather everyone…”
Savannah gathering everyone for the present-opening…