Christmas Eve for my family is rooted in tradition. We try to do/recreate as many as possible. This year was no different. We always watch A Christmas Story, eat Chex Mix, stuff ourselves with meatball sandwiches, and a host of other things. This year, however, we were able to get Ryan into bed with us to do it all.
Christmas came a bit early for our daughter, Kari. She named him Gunner. Here is a two-minute video of her meeting him for the first time.
Not able to see the video? Watch it here.
On Christmas Eve, Kari got off work early. She had no idea where she was going! Here is a thirty-second video of her test firing her new sidearm… in heels and a dress! On Sunday, she (and Sue) was certified for Concealed Carry permits.
Talk about going to each extreme on our gift giving this year!
Karyn Mandracchia Ahern via Facebook says
January 11, 2015 at 1:44 AMHave fun with your new dog Kari, he going to be your best friend <3
kathryn says
January 4, 2015 at 7:11 AMAdorable puppy meeting Kari!!!!!
Jen Lovelace says
January 2, 2015 at 11:20 PMI want to hug Kari’s new puppy and never let him go! Loved her reaction and Sue’s. Glad that she can protect herself! I wish all of you the happiest of holidays. Much Love.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Anna says
January 2, 2015 at 7:11 PMOMG, How special! I was wondering about the puppy on the Christmas card and now I know….
Tom McClelland says
January 2, 2015 at 2:53 AMAll good news here this week….may 2015 get better for all of you every day this year….!
Ann H Tearle says
January 1, 2015 at 12:41 PMGod bless my Divineys–always in my prayers and thoughts–I love you all the way to the moon and back:) Great for Kari to now have her ‘baby’ and that your girls now have their concealed carry. YES!
Paula says
December 31, 2014 at 10:19 PMThat is one of the most precious things I’ve ever seen. Ken, you have a beautiful family, each one with a heart of gold.
Wishing you many years of family traditions to come!!!
Love you guys!!!
Happy New Year dear Divineys. I am, and always will be, still here and still praying, still believing ……
Paula
Gail Doyle via Facebook says
December 31, 2014 at 10:17 PMLove it ,Have fun with Gunner.Kari.
Marilyn Reeves via Facebook says
December 31, 2014 at 9:26 PMWonderful!
Chrissy says
December 31, 2014 at 6:22 PMAwesome!! Happy 2015 to you guys! And thank you so much for the nice Christmas card ♡♡♡!
Jennifer Moore Lovelace via Facebook says
December 31, 2014 at 3:44 PMLove my Diviney’s!
Amy Spencer via Facebook says
December 31, 2014 at 2:25 PMAwesome hope the new year will bring you all some joy. Live to see the post on Ryan and the family 🙂
Gail Doyle says
December 31, 2014 at 12:01 PMSo glad you could do some of your Christmas Eve traditions,can’t be easy .Kari seems thrilled with her
new little Gunner..He is adorable.You all stay well and have a ,Healthy,with many good things,New Year
Love to all
Cassidy Cline says
December 31, 2014 at 11:49 AMWhat a precious reaction, Kari! You are such a wonderful and sweet family. So touching, I cried when I saw that Sue was crying. The love in your family is truly heartwarming. Happy New Year to all of you. Xoxo
Rhonda Morin says
December 31, 2014 at 11:35 AMWell the name and her new concealed carry work out. Very cute!!!!
Josh says
December 31, 2014 at 11:22 AMAwww… cute pup!
Jo Hobbs via Facebook says
December 31, 2014 at 10:37 AMBeautiful! I want a puppy named Beretta and a gun named Fido! What a Christmas! Maybe next year :/ !!
Jo nO says
December 31, 2014 at 10:32 AMOh, my! Got me crying, too!! Not the puppy video–the gun video–’cause I want one, too!!
Just kidding! Cried through both videos!
Seeing Kari’s photo with a pup where we once placed a big peony cracked me up! I loved your Christmas card! Makes us happy to know your Christmas traditions continue, even though I know it is a sad time as well with the death of Sue’s dad. I am sad for all of you, and you are in my prayers. Sending love and good wishes to you cross the Potomac.
Amanda H. says
December 31, 2014 at 10:14 AMOh my goodness!! I love all of it!! I’m glad you had a chance to celebrate with family. Kari’s reaction to the dog is priceless! Thank you for the card also. Sending much love your way!
Liza Krause via Facebook says
December 31, 2014 at 10:03 AMThank you for sharing!!! I teared up watching her reaction to the puppy. 🙂
And way to go on the conceal and carry!!!! Just got mine also! Whoop!!!
Always in my prayers…
Wendy says
December 31, 2014 at 9:56 AMThat is the best Christmas gift and reaction I’ve seen this year. Wiping away the tears. I received your beautiful Xmas postcard and was so surprised. Thank you for bringing more joy to my holidays. Your family is truly awe inspiring.
Corinne Cox says
December 31, 2014 at 9:40 AMAbsolutely wonderful! Out family watches A Christmas Story on Christmas Eve as well! So glad that Ryan was able to do all of this as well with you guys! I hope 2015 brings many exciting blessings into your lives! Much love!
Andrea Herendeen via Facebook says
December 31, 2014 at 9:31 AMThat was beautiful. It was like you have her a million bucks, it’s not the size of the gift or the money it’s about the love that person has that got the gift and the feeling you have on how they react. Hope I said that right.
Pat says
December 31, 2014 at 9:24 AMLove those traditions, I too watch A Christmas Story multiple times on Christmas Eve and Day. That puppy is beyond precious – they will be best friends forever!! May your entire family be blessed in the coming new year.
Gwen says
December 31, 2014 at 9:22 AMThank you for sharing these videos. Your wonderful family are in my thoughts and prayers every day! May the new year bring all that your heart desires. SHSP!!
Rita says
December 31, 2014 at 9:20 AMNo one’s going to mess with Kari or Gunner! And I joined Sue in crying tears of joy over making your daughter’s dream come true, as well as hearing how the whole family was able to enjoy some favorite Christmas traditions together this year. Praying that the good times will continue to roll for you Divineys in 2015 <3
Michaela Hartley says
December 31, 2014 at 9:18 AMMerry Christmas and Happy New Year