I've Lost Count

We do it right around here.  We stretch Christmas and family out as long as we can.  We (the girls) cook and eat for days.  And there are lots of laughs and maybe a few tears along the way.

It must be Christmas. Michael's nutcrackers are guarding the stairs.

Ellis is in town for a hot minute.  Here he is sporting his Grandman Goodwill find.

Each year, we get them an ornament according to what is going on in their lives.  This year, Ellis got a toque banche (white chef's hat).

Alaire will officially be a homeschool graduate...and will have a year of college credits under her belt.

Our pickle taste test.

snacks

I love doing White Elephants with this bunch.  Saffi go a fish!

Meet Jeff...Jeff Bezos.  He now belongs to Alaire.

crazy games

I watched Alaire make a flower arrangement from Legos.

Emmy is taking over as the official measurer.

But only this one time.

We had a lasagna challenge.  Cassie and T2 made lasagna, and we were all the taste testers and judges.   After an mixup from the MC, T2 was awarded the first Lasagna King crown.

This girl loves a good pickle.

Let the gift-giving begin.  The adults exchange names, and everyone under 18 gets a gift from each family.  Sam and Mia got new fishing poles.  Bet you can't guess who from?

The last gift to be opened is Old Faithful.  We aren't sure when this tradition began, but on the back of the box, the first date is 1991, but I know it was around when Mark and I were dating.  That is the original bow and wrapping paper.

Cassie and Mark are trying to find something for vacation this year.

I guess the good luck ornament didn't work its magic this year.

All Fiona wanted for Christmas was a Baja Blast (a lime MT. Dew) from Taco Bell.

The old people learned a few new things that they could do on their phones...

regular pic

Norman Rockwell style

And then there is this...