FAMILY CHRISTMAS!!

What an enjoyable evening everyone!! This year we shelved the traditional turkey dinner and went back to potluck (Uncle Nick willingly cooked a turkey for us - which was delicious) and boy was it good...I think everyone would agree! Santa made an appearance after dinner, Grandma was treated well. The picture of her sitting on "Nick's" knee kind of reminds me of the book "I'll Love You Forever", anyone remember that??

Dad, Jaden, Mom, Nicole and Grandma - Mom enjoyed herself and seemed quite content, the evening tired her out though. I couldn't stop thinking that she was the one who for years was an integral part of the planning for all the family functions and now...well you all know the rest of the story.

The newest member of the clan enjoying Santa's lap.

The twinnies happy with their toys...they are going to have sooo much fun this season, at such an amazingly fun(ny) age!

Some of the younger grandchildren

Uncle Henry, Aunt Nancy and family (unable to attend Shelly, Jason, Rob and Troy)

Uncle Arend, Aunt Joann and family

The adults enjoyed our 3rd Annual Trivia Challenge while the kids decorated gingerbread houses and sang with the karaoke machine. We had a nice singsong around the piano (I missed Grandpa's tenor) and sang late into the night. Thanks to EVERYONE for making it such a great time, sorry to all that couldn't be there, work, oceans away, etc....you missed a fun family time! A special thanks goes to Aunt Mare for putting it all together...there was a ton of organizing and we all appreciate it greatly!