Another wonderful year celebrating Christmas with our families.
Our first party of the year was with the Nash family. We gathered at Great Grandpa and Grandma's house for our first ever ugly sweater party.
Henry and Nolan show off their new trucks to Grandpa Rosen.
Cousin Megan and me in our holiday hats.
And, of course, little Emma on my lap in her red-headed wig.
Now those are some "lovely" sweaters!
But the winner was Grandpa, with his homemade ugly sweater.
On Christmas, we enjoyed a quiet morning at home.
Our annual Christmas morning family photo.
One of the few family pictures I can guarantee both kids will be
smiling as they anticipate opening their gifts.
Opening presents in our pajamas.
Perhaps the highlight of opening gifts, was Joe's reaction to one of the gifts I gave him. It's rather silly, actually, but he's mentioned a need for new pens at work. And I remember how he liked the pens from a local funeral home. So...I took it upon myself to call this funeral home and ask them for some pens. They were happy to oblige and provided him with quite a stash. We had a good laugh over it, and he even said it was his favorite gift. He's pretty easy to please!
Claire's favorite gift was her wooden bird house that she's been busy painting. Not a typical gift for a 4-year-old, but she's been asking for one for months.
Later in the morning we went to Africa's Child (more on this later). We met my parents and sister there. While Joe and my dad built some clothing racks, the girls started staining them.
In the afternoon we headed over to Joe's Dad's house.
We had a great time eating, visiting and reminiscing.
The kids opening their gifts, with a little help from Grandpa and Aunt Melissa.
Grandma's homemade baking mixes for Claire's easy bake oven.
The following night Claire made us a marble cake for dessert. It was delicious!
Grandpa helps Henry with his gift.
Our final family party was with my side of the family.
Always a fun time. The cousins play so well together and the adults enjoy hanging out and playing games. Lots of laughter and great conversation.
Happy to have my sister and niece there as they were in a car accident on their way in from Wisconsin. They were a bit sore, with a few scrapes and cuts, but we're so grateful they're okay.
I love hearing these duets. Kelsey on the piano and Joe on the harmonica.
As the cousins played dress up, I had to snap a picture of Claire in this dress, which has quite a history in our family. It was first worn by my mom in her younger years, then by her daughters for dress up, and now by her granddaughters.
The kids (minus Ruby and Andrew) getting cozy on the couch with Grandpa.
It was a full week of parties, snacks, gifts, and all around excitement.
The kids were officially wiped out!
And yes, that is a Christmas cookie in Henry's hand.
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