The Brocklehurst Clan - Christmas day 2011 - from left to right - Paul, Karlyle, Me, Jerry, Jill, Opal, Mum, Trevor, Kali, Ewan, Diane, Carol and Mark
Well what can I say. For the first time in a long time, in fact I can’t remember how long, the almost entire Brocklehurst clan got together for Christmas. The only ones missing were my oldest nephew, his partner and their new baby. They were in Australia. But the last time the bulk of the Brocklehurst clan was together was for my parent’s 50th wedding anniversary in 2004, a week after which, my father passed away.
The 23 pound turkey wants to watch tv before being cooked
The first of 4 videos of the Brocklehurst frivolity – watch and giggle
But when was the last time the entire clan was together for Christmas? Never actually now that I think about it, because over the years there may have been some of us but then not all of the niece and nephews would have been born even so therefore they would not have been there. Does that make sense?
One big ass turkey - whatja mean we need to cook it for more than 4 hours - turkey is trying to escape - -yup I actually weighed it on my scale
As some of you may know by following my blog, I decided to stay for Christmas before heading overseas again as a gift to my Mum and myself. I have not really been home for Christmas for many years. Usually I do a missmas as I am not the biggest fan of Christmas – really just from the consumerism side. Also the stress and expectation side can be problematic too. But this year here I was. In turn, my sister Jill and her husband Jerry, two of her sons – Paul and Karlyle – Paul’s girlfriend Opal, my oldest brother Ewan, and his wife Diane and their two children Kali and Trevor (who I have not seen for 7 years) and my other brother Mark and his wife Carol, all came together for Christmas 2011.
Christmas Eve Dinner Video – yes the Turkey Got Cooked!
Sara grabs the turkey to stop it from escaping! yes I know it has been eviscerated and has no head - just go with me on this one.
What a hoot. We are a loud and gregarious bunch and really one would be hard pressed not to laugh or be bored if they were there. Strong personalities, high energy, the basic ingredients of the Brocklehurst clan. Never a dull moment.
Video #3 – Kali does gymnastics
My niece Kali
Kali's Dad and my oldest Brother Ewan.
So I had fun capturing pictures and taking silly videos to document and remember the time. Jill and Jerry brought a big ass turkey from BC that they had raised. Twenty-three pounds it was. We got the baking of that turkey a little late and it was almost an episode out of the Vinyl Cafe getting dinner together in time. I don’t think the turkey wanted to be there either as it tried to escape. How many Ontarians can say that they had a turkey on Christmas hand delivered all the way from BC? Betcha no one else. We all headed over briefly to the Irish pub across the road – Doolins – for some Christmas cheer – time to let the Turkey cook.
We all serve ourselves with lots of yummy food
See - I was good - that's all I ate
We did our obligatory watching of the Alistair Sim version of the Christmas Carol (I have seen that now 45 times and still don’t get bored of it – he makes me laugh at the end every time). Poor Carol has tried dutifully every year to stay awake for the entire film but we always leave it too late and after much eating. Also, us Brocklehursts tend to talk alot and that interrupts one’s focus and concentration.
Nice parking job Paul - right across the driveway!
Coolio Paulio
More Brocklehurst Acrobatics – we are goofs!
Stockings NOT hung by the chimney with care!!!
Christmas morning the multiple stockings and gifts filled the basement. We used to open only one gift at a time but that would have taken forever with our 13 individuals. So we sort of did things in concert. It was a hoot to finally have someone else organize the gift distribution (thanks Kali) as that used to be my job being the youngest. But guess what? I am not the youngest anymore! Yeehaw!
Gifts galore
We had awesome food and general frivolity. Oh yes, punctuated by lots of silliness. But that is pretty par for the course, at least with out clan. So as I wrap this up I say hey to my fam damily and hope that everyone enjoyed our celebrating as much as I did. You never know what tomorrow brings so celebrate today as if it could be the last opportunity. Life is good. Merry merry and happy holidays.
Christmas gift craziness - Opal gets skis
But I'm kinda cool too - the cool and crazy Aunt Sara-Jane
Thanks for sharing your family’s Christmas pictures with us. It looks like fun was had by all. However, the turkey definitely was the star attraction. HAHAHA
I love your outside group picture and please, tell your Mom that I like her festive outfit.
Whow, what a time you guys seem to have had. Bit late, but Merry Christmas to you all.
Happy New Year, Health, Wealth and Happiness to the Brocks! xx
Thanks Cuz. Hope your holidays have been as fun.
What a crrrrrraaaaaaazzzy family, I’m glad I’m a cat!
Ash …. when did you get your own e-mail and I didn’t know you knew how to type. Good for you!
I had tons of fun too!!
Happy New Year! It was great getting together will Jill and meeting
Gerry and seeing her kids now grown up. Jill like you has not changed either.
Enjoyed seeing the Brock clan together, I guess for the Winters clan we have
never missed a Christmas together! Will have to get together before you head
out again. Let me know of any dates that work, I am always around, Mark
ski’s with the kids on the weekend. looking forward to more travels as they continue.
Thanks Judy. Will do my best – time just seems to keep flying by. Welcome to 2012