A Christmas-Y Christmas

I've heard from many that Christmas with the inlaws is a torturous ordeal, something to be avoided when at all possible, and dreaded when impossible to avoid. I am fortunate in that regard because, while nothing beats Christmas with one's biological family, Christmas with the Y family is nothing short of a joyous occasion.

This year we did not host. (Actually, we never host Christmas, as I prefer to be a Thanksgiving control freak and leave Christmas for those with plenty of room to host a herd and a more desirable geographic location within which to do so.) My fabulous sister-in-law and her husband were kind enough to invite the family to come together. Because no one in the family (except for me) likes to cook, Y family gatherings are traditionally potluck style, with everyone contributing whatever they are comfortable making...or buying at a suitable local establishment.

Their kitchen is beautifully equipped and the perfect size
which is good because it's a very popular place!
As always there was plenty of food
including a beautiful prime rib...
rack of lamb...
baby back ribs...
chicken caesar salad...
and drunken shrimp.
But for the potato dishes and the wine (fabulous Silver Oak cabernet--1997 and 1999), it would have been more of an Adkins family Christmas! lol
Have I ever mentioned how gorgeous my inlaws are?

After the very large meal (finished off with flan, creme brulee and birthday cake for my father-in-law), the kids made gingerbread houses and played with the wii.
In all, it was a very, very merry Christmas!