Christmas Recap, Part I

We spent Christmas Day with my family, and we were together as an entire family for the first time since Braxton was born last month.  What a great way to spend a holiday!

My parents' fireplace used to have exactly five stockings each Christmas.

The family has grown a bit in the last few years, wouldn't you say?

Our three cherubs received a set of MagnaTiles from my parents (awesome, if you're not familiar with them), and the twins were so excited, they danced on the box.

Sweet Pea also showed everyone her walking skills.  Notice she's wearing her Christmas dress, smocked by my mom.  All three granddaughters had red dresses with little smocked angels (and the boys had coordinating outfits

So much for getting a nice picture of all seven grandkids wearing their snowman pajamas!

Susan and Hayden, who's wearing her dress too.

Dane giving his Uncle MJ a nice (and unexpected) hug:

Susan ran to the landing to grab this picture of all 7 grandkids playing downstairs after the gift bonanza.  Imagine how crowded it was when the rest of the adults were there, and boxes and wrapping paper were everywhere!

My dad with Jon, who's showing off his newly shaved head.  The resemblance grows every year!

We had to get a picture of everyone.  It involved freezing temps, an 8-foot ladder, a camera timer, and impeccable timing.  Hah!

Dane and Jon reading a new Christmas book:

 My parents with their newest grandchild, Braxton, not quite a month old here:

Patrick and Bryson, relaxing after dinner.

Whew!  It was wonderful but tiring, mostly because of the long drive each way.  We saved our own Christmas celebration for the 27th, when we were back home and recovered.  More pictures to come!