December 27: Two Days of Family Christmas Gatherings

Christmas Eve found 23 of us gathering at our house for a wonderful time of family fun, food (chili and far too many treats).  Kevin and I have been carrying the "boobie prize" from another family game night held 31 years ago.  We had hoped to award it to someone else after a rousing game of bunco, alas, Kevin had the lowest score, so we still have "the frog"  Even so, it made for some great laughs.





The grandkids and great niece and nephew played in the new den and with Great-Grandpa's Christmas tree train, while we played.  I think everyone had a good time.  Of course the food as an added bonus.  I know we ate too much, but everything was so wonderful.  Do holiday goodies really have calories, anyway?

Zoe and Henry did their part to entertain and share the true reason of the season.  They made and frosted the birthday cupcakes to celebrate Baby Jesus's birthday.  Then Zoe acted out the story of the Nativity while her mother read the story.  There was no doubt that we knew the ultimate reason for the gathering.

On Christmas day, we went to church and celebrated the birth of Jesus with prayers and music.  Then we came home to sticky buns, eggs, smokies, and more oohing and ahhing over the food.  Had a hard time not breaking of humming do to the tasty treats.  I put two roasts, potatoes, carrots into crockpots, made green bean casserole, and then spent the rest of morning and afternoon playing with new toys the kids got for Christmas.  It was so relaxing.  Then the kids took naps and the grown-ups simply collapsed in chairs and chilled.

About 5:00 more family showed up for more fun and games along with more very tasty food.  Check out a few of the participates who played Headbandz.

Dad was a super good sport about the invasion of all the family.  He even played the games both nights.  Then he felt that he was also part of the clean up crew.  He is just a great guy!






During these family gatherings a new family mystery has come to pass.  I had said that anyone who was old enough could bring libations, but they also needed to have a designated driver.  Although a little wine was consumed, the only beer used was in biscuits.  On Christmas afternoon we found these two ornaments.  No one is confessing!  But, I do have my suspicions,.............. Wendy.


Life is GOOD!