5 Family Christmas

2014 was no different than any Christmas season. We hit up 5 family Christmas events. We hosted two at our house, which I loved. I really love hosting. Since they tend to be similar year after year I am smooshing them all into one post. Then I will do a separate post of our little family of four Christmas. So hang on as a picture explosion occurs. Again I am practicing with manual on my camera, so some are blurry or the lighting isn't right or blah blah blah. But you have to start somewhere right?!

 

First we celebrate with my dad's side. We hosted 26 adults and 6 kiddos. So much fun. We had the usual potluck meal, followed by the reading of the Christmas story by the grandchildren. This year the great grandchildren had a line. We sing carols then play dirty Santa. The weather was beautiful this year so we went outside and had a ping pong tournament and anything else we could make competitive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The next day we went to my dad's house for a Christmas with my brothers and sisters. Of course the competition continues with a snowflake making contest, sugar cookie decorating contest and new this year four square. Next year I am wearing athletic attire because I am going to be dressed to whip some butts. We sang carols, ate a spaghetti dinner then played dirty Santa.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had a few days until our next family Christmas. Tim's family came to our house on Christmas Day. So thankful they drive to us every year. We ate a wonderful lunch then opened presents together. We visited after. I had high hopes of making gingerbread houses together, but some of us fell asleep on the couch. (Side note: I am not a napper. I have done it twice this break. ) I also started to wear out with pictures at this point I guess because I didn't get many action shots.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The day after Christmas we went to my mom's house. We ate dinner, opened presents, watched movies, played cards and stayed the night. This is something we do every year. There is something neat about being under the same roof that you grew up in with all your brothers and sisters. Now we have spouses and kiddos. It is loud, chaotic and fun. Usually by this Christmas we are all tired and a bit cranky. It is not unusual for some of us to be short with each other. Well not this year. It was nice. We must be growing up. Again mostly posed pictures.

 

 

   

  

These children are going to throw these letters at me some day. I torture them with them often.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The next morning we woke up, had breakfast and lots of coffee. Then we headed over to our final Christmas party of the year at my mom's parents. We ate, played games, and you guessed it, one last dirty Santa. I brought a selfie stick and my cousin who I had in mind got it! I thought I was pretty cool. Haha My grandma had these singing angels which were the hit with the little ladies.

 

More letters....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Addy has a major crush on my cousin. She misses him so much at college.

 

 

 

A last stop to visit the reason for the season.

 

Lilah was singing "Happy Birthday Jesus"

 

Although this seems like a lot, I genuinely love it. I have done a much better job the past two years preparing for Christmas early, so I can enjoy all of the events. Also, I think Tim has helped me to become more and more laid back as the years go on. I know it is going to be hectic and crazy this time of year, but I try to just embrace it and savor the ride. It helps that I love my family and actually enjoy being around all the crazy! I also got lucky and have the best in-laws a girl could ask for. They are so easy to be around and such a joy. So 2014 Christmas' in the books. It was a good one.