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For the first time in quite a few years we managed to spend the holiday season in Darlington. Jan's sister Joan and her family shared their Christmas feast with us on Christmas Day; sister Carol & family hosted the entire clan on Boxing Day (the day after Christmas which is when extended family gift-giving is traditionally done in the family); and last but not least sister Sue and family did the honors for New Year's Eve. Needless to say we ate well and drank well on all occasions. 

The extended family continues to grow. Pretty soon we will be too big to fit in anyone's house. Total count when all are present, including long-standing boyfriends/girlfirends, is 27 in four generations. Nana Russell is the sole survivor of the oldest generation. The second generation numbers 12 (six siblings and six spouses). The third generation is also twelve (8 cousins, one spouse, one fiancee, and two boyfriends. The fourth generation consists of two brothers. This year we were two short of the maximum as brother Dave and his wife Jhap were in their other home in Thailand.