Christmas with grandchildren! Their "presence" was our "present"!!

We are so lucky!  Two of our seven grandchildren live less than a mile from our house here in Santa Barbara!

Three more lived here for 3 years;  but for 8 years they have been living in Switzerland;  and are moving back here next summer!

For a multitude of reasons, Christmas has been “childless” for 8 years;  and this year we had grandchildren!!  Their “presence”  was our “present”!

Here are our daughter Ella; and her children Poppy (Penelope) 13, and Tommy 9.

Happy Granny!

Poppy and her Daddy, Scott

Our live tree;

The center table set for dinner!

Antique chinoiserie lusterware  “Pekin”  plates on top of Provencal terre melee faience chargers.

Ella and “Granny ”  in one of my “festivity crowns”!

Turkey dinner!

Luna enjoying her chew toy!

Pete loved his too!

Tommy loves his stocking!  The stockings are made from antique grain sacks and antique toile by my friend Kathy.

She has a  store “Pillow Beach” on Etsy;  and the most wonderful  things!

Scott and Ella

Merry Christmas!!

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20 Responses

  1. How lovely, Penny! My dear son was my “present” this year and we celebrated with the most loving family in Montecito…. what a joy! Now he’s plaaning to transfer colleges and move here! Your family is very beautiful! All the best for the New Year…. may you keep those precious grandchildren close!

  2. Thank you for sharing your holiday with us!
    I love seeing Poppy and her beautiful Mother, Ella, again, and it was nice being “introduced to Tommy and his Dad, Scott.
    Your table was a stunner. Those plates! Wow!

    Happy New Year!

    xo xo
    Brooke

  3. I felt as though I were right there with, enjoying the festive night!
    Such gorgeous, happy faces all.
    Wishing you a most lovely Christmas week and the happiest of New Year’s! So happy we “met” this year, Penny!!
    xoxo,
    Pamela

  4. Looks like much fun was had by everyone – what a wonderful treat having your precious ones with you on Christmas Day Penelope. You are lucky the kids dressed up, it was so hot here that my mob turned up in shorts & flip flops!
    Millie x

  5. Happy New Year my dear Penny! I see the love in those pictures. i know you are at your very best when you have Ella and family with you. So happy you were all together this year!
    XO
    M

  6. Penny: I must have the chargers. Where can I get them? Also, may I please also have Tommy’s hair? That is so unfair!! I notice your comments on my new favorite blog: Pimp my Bricks. It doesn’t get any better.
    Happy New Year,
    Liz

  7. Looks wonderful – beautiful family – gorgeous table – happy faces – and all because of you who makes all that joy possible.
    Happy Holidays! xxoxox T

  8. Thank you for sharing your Christmas with us. The warm smiling faces were just a delight. Everyone looked beautiful—especially you in your crown!
    Have a very Happy New Year!
    xoxo, Lissy

  9. Penelope,

    Families make our holiday time rich with the love and laughter of connections. What a great family you have and great news that you’ll get some more time together in the near future.

    Families are forever and we leave our impressions on the world that way as a huge fingerprint in time…priceless.

    Best Wishes, Hugs and Kisses for a Happy Happy New Year…Cheers for 2012 see you then!

  10. What a beautiful family!! So happy to hear your grandchildren will be close by. Everyone looks so happy and I LOVE your festive crown!!

    Best wishes for a wonderful 2012!!