The holiday season always brings our family together. Richard, Julie and family arrived on Monday night before Christmas. Carrie and the kids (not to miss out on anything) came Tuesday. We spent the day finishing up last minute things and just hanging out together. The rest of the family came in on Wednesday. Scott and Samantha will not be here this year since Payton arrived just 2 weeks ago. (To many germs in this crowd to bring a new baby into). 
We always start Chistmas morning off with a big breakfast for everyone. The kids have already gone thru their stockings so they are occupied until breakfast is ready and we are ready to begin opening gifts. Thank heavens for Scott, as he always jumps in and takes charge of eggs/bacon/sausage. It takes a ton of food to feed this hungry group. After we have eaten and everyone has rolled out of bed we begin with Jim reading about the birth of the Savior. It always feels good to remember the reason that we celebrate this holiday. After the story the kids start passing out the gifts and we begin, youngest to oldest opening gifts. After a couple of rounds the anticipation is too great and they finish it off with the rest of the gifts. This year Blane, Tiffany, and Dason join the adults. After we clear the little ones out and clean up their mess, we begin with the adults. It goes on forever oahing and ahing over everyones gifts. I think we finish about 1pm and then we start getting ready for dinner. Turkeys, hams, and all the fixings.(No pie this year-to many other goodies on the counters) Debbi has outdone herself with 2 cakes this year. Way to go and were they good.
Who is this sweetie and Darth Vader??
Christmas eve a rousing game of Yatzee and games
Family communication has taken on a new level with everyone on computers talking to each other. I think we had 4-5 going at the same time. Jim was worried about wireless overload.
Our two youngest pumkins sat still for just a minute with Grandpa.
Its always fun catching up with everyone.
Thanks Julie for the clean up. The family room finally reappeared from under all the wrappings and gifts. This has been a wonderful holiday and there is nothing better than being with everyone if even for a couple of days. The new year should bring lots of new adventures since Jim is retiring.
2 comments:
Christmas is the best, I am glad you have a big enough house so we can ALL be together. Crazy as it all is!
Hey .. how did you get that pic of me? Sneaky sneaky. :)
It was a really nice Christmas! Thanks for everything!!! Can't wait to see you again!
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