Christmas Day 2012

Family stocking opening

 Each of the families opened stockings separately from one another. J & J were down in the family room with their bunch and L & L were in the den with their three. Our 4 joined us in the living room to open theirs. It's not in keeping with tradition but I think it worked out pretty well. 

Another tradition broken or

rather modified

Years and years ago, my dad sent some money to us for Christmas. He said it wasn't enough to buy everyone a present but suggested that we go out to eat or something. So we did... and it started our tradition of having a Christmas breakfast at a restaurant. 

All of us, together. 

This year we opened stockings and left all the other presents under the tree and went out to eat. There were nineteen of us this Christmas morning. 

Gar-bear looked rather dapper in his plaid button up.

 These two oldest boy cousins love, love, love playing together. They look so grown up in their stripey sweaters.

Aunties and uncles and their girls

 Aunty Krystle with Danika, Uncle Charles with Evelyn, and Katelyn first with  Aunty Coco and then Aunty Joylynn.

We had the whole atrium at Shari's to ourselves so we could walk around and visit with each other. The kids didn't have to worry about interrupting anyones' meals by being passed from one aunty or uncle to another.

So Happy Together... 

I know Logan and Alyssa were here last year for Christmas but it's been a long year for them so it's especially nice to have them here for Christmas again this year. They are starting into a time of settling into the DC area for a few years. Perhaps one of these years we'll be enjoying a Capitol Christmas!

Hayden and Cameron wore their new ties to breakfast, without the benefits of collared shirts. Perhaps they're setting a new trend. 

Genevieve is at the end of a bout with chicken pox. I'm so happy that she was feeling up to being out with us and that we had the private seating area for out gang. She was so sweet about not sharing germs. It helped that she got her own pot of tea to enjoy.

Back at home

 We attempted to get a decent picture of the 7 cousins together. This is about as good as it got. Alyssa might have a better one on her camera but I doubt it. They are pretty squirrely.

 The adults got busy handing out presents. It didn't take long to get down to the bottom of the pile and I think everyone was happy with their gifts.

I know three young men that were very happy

 Garrett got a toy gun and marshall's badge.

 Rowan and Wyatt got Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles gear and weapons.

They are looking forward to an epic play battle.

Heading out of town

Evy and Katie seemed ready to nap on the way down to Logan's folks place.  Rowan had a hard time leaving Wyatt here today when they took off for Sisters and a visit with his Gremmy and Goddy. Not that he doesn't love being out at the ranch but he was disappointed to have to put his play with his cousin on hold. 

But there was the promise of snow down there and they were packed and ready for it. They are using Logan's Mum's van with studded tires so the road conditions aren't really a concern.

They made good time on the drive and were already visiting and making merry when I checked to see if they'd arrived safe and sound.

Have a wonderful time guys! Take pictures of the snow for me.

It's one aspect of Christmas that I miss from my childhood in Michigan.