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Sunday, January 2, 2011

I'm back!

I enjoyed my little blogging break. We had lots of good times with family and friends and now it's back to regular times again.
I know Christmas is past, but because of the break I took, I need to do some catching up. That means you are going to be subject to my Christmas pictures for a few days!
I'm starting with our family party on Bob's side.
The whole family was there, with the exception of Andy who was still in Kentucky, and Bob's nephew Max, who is going to school in Kansas.

There were 31 people, so instead of packing into someones house, we used our church. We had pizza and everyone brought some goodies along.
We had fun doing an auction. Everyone brought a $5 gift certificate to a place of their choice, along with a few dollar gifts. We each brought a roll of pennies to use in bidding. We had fun trying to outbid each other and when we were done, the pennies went to a Salvation Army bucket.

Here are Bob's mom and his stepdad, opening a gift from all the kids.

Of course, we enjoyed watching the kids! Here is one of the youngest.

And here is another cutie!


The little girls occupied themselves coloring.



I snapped this shot when most people had gone home. Two people went to hug each other good bye and the others joined in. Some are hidden, but there are actually 6 people in this shot.
It was the perfect ending to a great night.

19 comments:

Karin said...

When the group get too big, sounds like a great idea to use the church building! So glad you have a blessed time over the holidays. Now it's back to our regular routine - and that sounds just fine to me! May each new day in 2011 be to you a joy and blessing!

Nancy said...

I am so glad you had a wonderful Christmas....looks like the family get together was alot of fun.....

Happy New Year Friend.....

Darla said...

the auction sounds like a great idea for a big family! we need ideas as our family just keeps growing! this year we did no gifts and i think some sort of game would have been more fun. :)... great family photos and memories. Happy 2011!

Sandra said...

Makes me miss having my family near, I always loved big family gatherings :)

Sounds like you had a great time Mari :)

;) said...

I'm really happy to see you had a beautiful "break"!!!

I wish you a happy new year... full of joy.

Hootin Anni said...

Awwwwwwwwwww, such fun, and oh boy-------I do so love the little ones' photos. Adorable!!

That auction really must have been a blast. And the bidding rolls of pennies going to Salvation Army is a grand idea.

Welcome back.

Brooke said...

welcome back! glad you had a great Christmas.

Connie said...

Glad you are back but I'm sure that means Andy is also away again.
Time spent together was great, I'm sure. I like the auction idea for your party. will have to give that a try.

Pat said...

Your family comes up with the best ideas!
What a wonderful celebration, I love to look at the pictures of a family that knows how to love.
Glad you had a great break and happy to have you back...I missed you!

Sadie said...

We use our church when it comes to b-day parties. I like it b/c I don't have to clean my house 2x! HAHA! Looks like a great time! Glad you are back, but not glad I am back....(means I am back to work and not at home with my babies....)

Kari said...

I love that you all got together for Christmas and at the church.
Looks like you all had a great time.
It's nice to see you back blogging and Happy New Year Mari - to you and your family.

Jenny said...

Awww, wonderful memories! Happy New Year, Mari! And YAYYYYY you're back! I missed you a lot.

Shelly said...

that is awesome! Looking forward to the rest of the break blogs.

Justabeachkat said...

Being with family is the true gift of Christmas.

Welcome back.

Hugs,
Kat

Julieann said...

WELCOME BACK MARI!!!!!!!!!!

Loved the photos:)

I need to post my Christmas photots too, and I didn't take a break...LOL.

XO

Julieann

Cherdecor said...

I bet the bidding was fun and got a little wild at times! The little children are so beautiful!
Looking forward to some more pics!

Jean said...

I love that last picture! And the children are so cute! Welcome back to Blogland!

Melissa said...

I love the idea of the penny auction, how fun! It looks like you had a great time :)

septembermom said...

What a fun way to get together and show love and enjoy each other's company. All great pictures Mari. I'm so glad that you all had a wonderful Christmas!!