Big Christmas

No beautifully staged photos, just real life.

Tradition!!  We did most of our traditions this year and changed a few. 

I miss the nativity the most.  We read it this year but didn't act it out because the kids

are all grown up.  But I think it needs to come back and be a mainstay.

There's just something about acting it out that makes it special, even with the giggles.

"Um...I smell a bone in there!  Is that for me?"

The partial aftermath of a 10 person Christmas

You should have seen it when they were little!! Wow!

Although Joseph has taken the kids biking on the beach before, this was actually my first time.

It was a beautiful day, one of the definite benefits of California in December.

After Christmas was when the crowds started to arrive at our house.

Rachel and Andrew, my parents and the Andersons (Joseph's sister's family) all came

for the baby shower for our first grand baby.

With everyone, we had 20 people sleeping in our house!!

Baby showers are exhausting!  (Details in the next post)

Beds and suitcases everywhere!

There wasn't much room to move around with 20 people but we wouldn't have it any

other way.  Some suggested staying in a hotel but we nixed that real quick.  

Family gatherings are about being together,  loving, laughter, teasing, playing, supporting, and eating, sometimes to the wee hours of the morning.  We can't do that if we are spread out in hotels.

Although .... we're gonna have to get creative as more babies get added, but

that's a good problem to have.

Bring on the crowds!!