Niece Kathie had the brilliant idea of getting us together before the year ended. She, Bob, and Beth carpooled from the middle of the state for part of the trip. Niece Julie and Mike had the dog Gumball with them. It was so rewarding to relax and catch up on everyone’s news.
I often take photos of people at the table, but the sun was not cooperative. It was shining much too brightly. No one wanted to shut out the sun on a very cold day, so they agreed to pose in another room.
Above are my brother Bob, wife Beth, Mike with niece Julie, and niece Kathie. Gumball posed, too!
Increasingly, I miss parts of conversations in groups because my hearing is fading. I have a story to repeat, but it has holes in it. Kathie and son Max flew to Texas for a few days to be with her late husband’s family. Someone (hole one) ordered two boxes of snowballs for someone else (hole two). Yes! Snowballs!! It really doesn’t matter who was involved. Children in that part of Texas don’t have snow, or certainly not enough to make snowballs. In the evening, when the temperature had cooled off, they opened the snowballs and began throwing them at each other. It didn’t last very long, because the balls were very hard, perhaps hurtfully so. Waiting a bit, they really let loose and had a rousing snowball fight. The idea of buying balls of snow tickled my fancy. They bought an experience that is not normal for that area. What fun!
We’ve now texted each other, so I know all have safely returned home.
Mehrling Muse 
Nice to see more family members Anne. Blessed 2026.✨️🧨🎊
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How cool is that idea? (for young people, of course)
What a nice picture of your family members! How nice to have an almost-end-of-year get together. ☺️
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We always have a good time together.
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That is a very unique gift – what a surprise. How nice for even more family members to have a get-together. Gumball is a cute name for a dog and yes, he posed nicely.
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How lovely your family could get together at the end of the year. Happy New Year!
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Our in-laws here in Texas did the same for the little ones! Coming from up north we thought it was so funny-the kids loved it!
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I had to chuckle at that too!
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Marvelous! I found out that it was a Texas aunt who gave my 20-year-old nephew the snowballs. He knew what to do with them!
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Thank you for the added detail!!❄️❄️
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This was wonderful that all got together
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Oh so funny about buying snowballs! I can imagine how hard they were! It would seem so strange to not have any snow during the year.
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I have always lived in a place that occasionally had snow. I could have enjoyed lots more if it had come my way.
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I love it as long as it doesn’t get severely cold. That gets scary.
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Happy 2026 🥂
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How wonderful to have family visit. I love the snowball story. Happy New Year!!
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Happy New Year!!
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Happy New Year!!
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That was a great idea! I, too, get holes in stories. Unless it’s important, I let it go. Have a good New Year.
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Happy New Year!!
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I had no idea people did that. So fun! When you said they ordered snowballs I thought you were going to say the marshmallow coconut cookies. Kate always chose those at the candy store when we were young. I think of her whenever I see them.
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That’s a fun memory.
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What a nice picture! It’s hard to miss parts of conversations. I finally got hearing aids, which help… when I remember to wear them. 🫤
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I’m glad you know hearing aids help you. I wear mine, even when I know I won’t be with anyone.
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