Carlson Family Christmas

It's always a joy to be together and catch up with Jon's Aunt (his mom's sister) and her family.  Every year we get together to spend time with on another, open gifts, and celebrate Christmas with Grandpa Bill. This was our second chance to Celebrate Christmas and open gifts, with Thanksgiving with Betsy, Dave and Justin, being the first. I'm pretty sure Brianna was loving the extra opportunities to dig into wrapping paper. 

 

 It's SO fun because there are a ton of kids... so laughter and noise permeate the room! With Brianna able to walk around and interact more this year, she was off with one or the other of the older kids. They were so responsible and if I came looking, they politely said where she was and who she was with (as if to say, no need to worry, we got her!). THANKS to everyone who helped her feel apart of the big kid group and played with her. She loves you all!

Grandpa Bill and Vi were delighted to have everyone around and be able to share in the Christmas spirit. We sang carols, had yummy snacks, and the kids exchanged gifts. What a blessing it is to have these memories!

 

This year, the gathering also landed on Jon's mom's birthday. So we were able to extend the festivities with a delicious flourless chocolate cake and birthday song.

And let's not forget Uncle Jeff - he's very popular with Brianna. For days after this weekend, she kept asking, "where'd Uncle Jeff go?" You are very loved.