It's Tradition

Every December we pack our bags, load up the car, and take the 51/2hr drive to Chicago for our Arends family annual Christmas gathering.  Leaving town on the weekend before Christmas is a challenge with so many final things to do for the holiday here at home.  What I discovered however, if I do take this time, I'm blessed beyond measure. I get to see siblings that I only visit with a few times a year.  I catch up on all the news and see the young nieces and nephews as they grow.  I spend quality time with my Mom....time that won't always be there.  My sister and I laugh and talk about life, the good and the bad things that happen to everyone.  But mostly we laugh!  Two of my brothers weren't able to be here and we missed them.  My niece, Katie, and her hubbie Blake hosted again this year.  It was my nephew's turn but he and his wife just had a baby in early December.  The scene is pretty much the same each year....good food, lots of kiddos, Santa, presents, white elephant gifts...those are silly things that you might have stored in a closet or attic that you really don't want...so we wrap them up pretty and have fun with them!  If you've brought a white elephant gift you pick a number and when it's your turn you pick from the pile.  You can steal someone else's gift if you want.  We really have a good time with this game and it costs nothing.  Pictures are taken and of course the food is always fabulous.  This year we had the party early...brunch...because my great-niece was in a production of the Nutcracker ballet and their family had to be there in the afternoon.   Here are the pics...similar to last year and the years before...but as we age and families grow or loved ones pass on, it's a tradition that helps keep the family together.  As the song says..."I'll be home for Christmas. You can count on me"....It's tradition!

Our beautiful matriarch! Mom!

Decorations are lovely.

My sis preparing a dessert.

The newest member of the family...Adelena with her Daddy, Bill...my nephew.

Cousins...they are your first best friend!  Ellie and Alexis

The boy cousins...Drew and Mason.

The older cousins...this reminded me of when I was young and would connect with one of my cousins away from the group and just sit and talk and have a good time!

All the kiddos gathered together to wait for Santa...and here he is! Santa is actually my niece Katie's partner....she's a detective and he has come in his Santa suit for the last few years. 

So fun!

After Santa heads back to the North Pole the family gathers for the white elephant game...

Perhaps you might get a giant sock monkey.

Or a super ugly sweater!  So fun!

No, Mom didn't win this in the game...she is holding her great-granddaughter for the first time...so sweet!  Time flew by this weekend.  We left in the rain this morning and thankfully had a smooth ride home.  Chubbs came too and did great.  He met his cousin too.
My sister's dog, Sophie.

They got along great outdoors...indoors however, proved to be a challenge. Sophie isn't used to sharing her space with another dog.  Chubbs could care less and does well with other dogs but after a little scuffle, we kept them separated indoors...all was good then!

Chubbs blended into my Mom's living room area rug...they were perfectly matched!