"God Bless Us, Everyone" Tiny Tim

The tradition in our home has always been to celebrate with family on Christmas day. I know some families gather on Christmas Eve or other times that are convenient for as many as possible to be there.  When my in-laws were living, we headed down to the "farm"..they weren't really farmers since Jack's Dad was also a Chiropractor, but they had a beautiful piece of property...120 acres.. and a lovely home with space enough to gather everyone together.  We've carried on this tradition with our kids who live near us. We don't call our place "the farm"...just "Mom and Dad's"!  This year was no exception. Our grandkiddos are getting older. With Driana in college and Summer in high school, we know sometime in the future things will change.  Our #2 son, Craig, and his family are in Portland, Ore. now and we probably will never be there on Christmas with them. But, because of technology, we can talk, and laugh, and share a bit of the holiday with them.  We still have a couple of little ones who wait eagerly for Santa and get up early in the morning to check out the goodies.  That makes them a bit tired by the time they come to us, but we still manage to have a good time! After dinner usually the "Christmas Crash" happens and slowly some of the adults slip away and find a quiet place to nap.  One or two of the younger set fall asleep too, but a couple will hang in to the bitter end.  That was the story today! I can't let any gathering go without some photos to help tell my story.  Starting at the beginning....

Christmas Eve had the tree blazing and gifts wrapped in waiting for today.

Jack and I and 2 of our boys shared a quiet dinner. I always make homemade waffles on Christmas Eve.  Thanks Jack for the cutest table centerpiece ever! You could smell the flowers as well as the pine!

Christmas morning started out with Eddy going immediately to the fireplace and knocking down his stocking! He knew it was his! He enjoyed all his gifts!

The group arrived around noon, and after watching the Christmas DVD I made, we opened gifts.

Always a little crazy! I hope everyone enjoyed their gifts...I know I did! Thanks so much!  After gifts we had a really delish dinner.  Afterwards, the crowd thinned down.  Some were having that "winter's nap"...some headed outside to play with new toys!

These bow and arrow kits were a hit with these guys! They became the hunter and huntress cousins! Lexi, and Cameron!

Addy struggled with this toy....probably a bit too much for a 5yr old.

She needed her Daddy's help and then gave it up to play indoors with a new baby doll! It was really cold out today and she was the smart one of the group..and she finally had a nap too!

Jack and Eddy joined us later for some fun and a little hike into the Creepy Woods.  We really gave those kids a workout! They played outside until it started getting dark. Cameron made me laugh when we came in and he had to check out his legs because they were so tired from running all over the yard getting his arrows and then hiking in the woods.  I know 2 kids who'll be sleeping like logs all night!

This was my Kodak moment....Lexi passed out by the back door waiting for her Dad to get Addy and head out...she looked like I feel! Exhausted!

My spirit was truly made bright today with the love of family and the gift of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  The real reason for this season. I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!  "God bless us, everyone".