Christmas #1

Our first Christmas is always with my family.  We have decided to celebrate the weekend before Christmas to avoid all the in-law Christmas conficts.  It works really well for all sides of the family, I think.  We started this year on Friday night with a soup and sandwich supper.  It gives the kids an extra chance to be together and sets the mood for celebrating the next day. 
This year, we gathered mid morning for gift opening, had lunch, had the adult gift opening, played games, had supper, and hung out.  Here are some snapshots of some of that.
Family Photo time…
       
Sharing Time…

Gift Opening Time…
           
Talking with Great-Grandpa Jantzen…
     
Stocking Time…

    

Play Time…

         

It was a good year to be together.  There was very little need for intervention with the kids.  We had time for games (Rummikub and Yahtzee).  We had a lot of good food – again.  I am grateful that my family gets along.  With this many different people and personalities, it is not something I take for granted.  Until next year… or maybe New Year’s Day for waffles and white sauce!