had a little snooze and then got ready for the big party. We all got down there in good time and I left the family there while I drove back to the farm and put Queen in there and walked down with George & Frank. Nineteen of us sat down to demolish an overgrown turkey but we didnt manage him. He was not exactly intact when carried away to make room for the plum pudding & mince pies but he was by no means a total wreck. Quint was the missing link at the feast as he had had to attend family service at the Smythe's in Vittoria where his Gladys was spending Christmas. Much to Georges discomfort Dad. announced his engagement to Ada at the table. He had told Dad. some time ago and bound him to secrecy but a letter came from the West a day or so ago and spilled the beans. After dinner the tree with Dick officiating and what a load of presents there were. The kids have got so many toys they don't know what to do with them all. Gay has about ten dolls and carries one most of the time. She & Hilton hardly said a word through the whole affair but meandered stolidy around taking in every thing and enjoying themselves immensely, but Harry B & David were wildly boisterous most of the time and the baby beaming with joy but tending pretty much to her own affairs.

Sunday December 26th

I didnt get up till daylight this morning and that was nearly eight o clock. I had to step around fairly lively to get the chores done up in time for me to get back to town in time for church. The cows gave a big mess not having been milked last night. Every thing was full of snow as it stormed after I got home and I had to break a track in to town this morning at least where there was snow but on the tops of the hills it was blown bare.