Our family is blessed with many branches, and we often have numerous holiday celebrations. Ever since I was about 7 or 8 years old, I have spent Christmas Eve with my step-mother's family. Even though my dad is no longer married to her, and even though I don't celebrate Christmas, we are still grateful to be included in the family festivities and to continue to say that we are all one big family!
Times have changed a lot, though, and it's amazing to see all the kids of this next generation running around, playing together, and preoccupying their now-grown parents (who only years ago were running around just like these little kids!). I can recall when it was just us 8 kids (Matt, Robert, Lee, Brandon, Erin, Brock, Amber, and Kira). Then, Sage, Trey, and Kindle came along - and now, there are 12 little ones - and at least one more on the way: Caden, Mara, Brycen, Banner, Meredith, Mallory, Bennett, Drew, Emma, Ian, Sydney, and Robert. These little people have become the next generation - and even though they make me feel really old - I so enjoy watching them interact!
Santa made an appearance, too! I wish I had a photo of Banner's stunned, confused, open-mouthed stare at this strange man my little Jewish son has never seen before! He was not a fan. He was clingy and shy around Santa, but he was happy to take his gift from him and open it with Mommy and Daddy safely nearby.
Here are some photos I got from the night:
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| Aunt Kindle & Banner |
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| Mallory and her sister, Meredith - who looks like she's attacking her cousin, Bennett |
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| Mallory, Bennett, and Meredith |
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| Caden, Banner, and Mara - playing in the house elevator |
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| Emma, Meredith, Bennett, and Banner |
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| Bennett ran off with the choo-choo train Banner wanted, but luckily Banner was distracted by the pool table |
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| Emma, Banner, and Meredith |
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| Sorry, Miss Meredith! Your student, Banner, is not paying attention! |
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| Maybe he wanted to be the teacher |
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| Banner & Caden |
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| Pretty baby Drew and Brycen |
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| My favorite!! |
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| Kristen, Sarah, and Kindle |
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| Banner staring at the singing, dancing reindeer |
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| Santa! |
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| Mara and Mallory waiting patiently for their presents |
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| Banner was reluctant to approach the strange man |
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| Mallory, Drew, Bennett, Caden, Mara, and Meredith (L to R) |
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| Banner LOVES Emma - says her name all the time |
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| "Emma!" |
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| Haha! Love this face Sam caught of me helping B open his gift |
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| Brycen, Uncle Erick, Aunt Kiki, and Aunt Erin |
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| Santa Meredith passed out candy canes to everyone |
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| Uncle Trey helped feed Banner some yummy pumpkin pie |
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| Banner LOVED it - like his Mama does! |
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| And in between bites, he'd stop for kisses from Aunt Kiki |
I'm thankful to celebrate family, peaceful times, and feelings of love and togetherness! Happy Holiday to Everyone - no matter what you celebrate!
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