Hope you all had a great Christmas! Since I took a blog break, I have a little catching up to do. I thought I would start with some family Christmas parties.
We had a gathering with Bob's family earlier this month. Bob has 3 brothers and 2 sisters, so it's a pretty big group. Almost everyone was able to make it though, except for a few grandsons who live out of state, and one sister-in-law who was sick. Here's a few pictures.
Bob's mom and stepdad.
Alaina and Grandpa checking out a present.
Laura playing a game, where you had to see how many marshmallows you could move into a cup using chopsticks.
The kids had to see what they could make using marshmallows and toothpicks. Bob's great niece made a net.
Alaina and Bob's great-nephew checking out the nativity.
The Saturday before Christmas my whole family came over for our Christmas party.
My Dad loves holding baby Ruby.
We made a photo book for my Dad and stepmom filled with family pictures.
We have a tradition of "Santa letters". A few people get a letter from Santa if they had any questionable behavior. This is my brother reading his letter. These letters always have the rest of us laughing.
These two are new to the family this year. My son-in-law to be is on the left, and my nieces boyfriend is on the right. They got a combined letter from Santa telling them how blessed they were to be accepted by the family and warning them to behave - and treat their mother-in-laws well or they would hear from Santa next year. :)
My niece Arianna having fun with Alaina and Ruby.
Christmas season is so busy, but it sure is nice to spend time with family!
Looks like everyone had a great time! Ruby has grown already! Love the picture book for your dad...
ReplyDeleteRuby has quite the setup, much like Dagny, so many arms to hold her! Arianna is so pretty. Best of all, everyone looks so happy. Speaking of happy, Happy New Year! xoxo
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful and blessed time with precious family. May you have a wonderful New Year, dear Mari!
ReplyDeleteIt's so nice to see your families having such good times together. I'm happy for you all. :)
ReplyDeleteFamily time is just the best. Time to play 'catch up' with those we dont see often, and time to share memories. Looks like everyone enjoyed being together, and pray that the New Year will bring peace and happiness.
ReplyDeleteIt is such a blessing to be able to gather a large family together for special holidays (especially!). Love the photos, and Alaina is even more adorable!! The Santa letters sound like such fun! It is good to have you back, Mari!!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a wonderful time with family! The Santa letters do sound like a fun tradition!
ReplyDeletePerfect!! A loving family, enjoying the season together and having a lot of fun to boot!
ReplyDeleteLoved the marshmallow net and Ruby's holiday outfit.
Mari! Nice to see you, love the Santa letters!!! I just love seeing photos of everyone's family/ies. Blessings
ReplyDeleteOH Mari - the Santa letter idea had me in stitches! That is something that would work beautifully in my family as well. Lol
ReplyDeleteLovely photos of a beautiful family.
Many wishes and blessings to you all for the New Year. xoxo
Oh I just love hearing your family stories. I love the games with marshmellows. What a great idea when all the children are home. Sounds like a fun time had by all. The babies are precious and growing by leaps and bounds.
ReplyDeleteHow very blessed you are to share this season with your family. My husband and I live too far away from our relatives to spend any time with them for the holidays.
ReplyDeleteLots of fun times all round!! xx
ReplyDeleteI love Alaina's hair when it is braided back...her highlights really make it beautiful. I think that Ruby looks just like her daddy. That should make him happy. :)
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