I'm pretty sure that most folks have finished up their posts about Christmas and have moved on. But, our Christmas lasted a long time and while we made some precious, once in a lifetime memories, I am glad to have it behind me and moving on into 2015.
Now, to wrap up my final Christmas post.
Last Saturday evening my brother from Iowa arrived with his son, daughter and SIL. The guys spent time in the woods riding the Bad Boy Buggy and the gals "went to town." Me, well, I stayed behind and kept my little cowboy and Princess and worked on the next meal. ~which is exactly what I wanted to do~
The cousins had fun playing games and entertaining the little ones. My other brother, from Virginia, arrived on Monday and this was the first time that my two brothers and myself had been with our Dad together since our Mom died 6 years ago. It was such a special, special time.
It took all kinds of orchestrating to make this happen and it may not happen again, so we made the most of the time we had together.
Daddy had all but two of his Grans and one of his Great Grans by his side. I can only imagine that my sweet Momma was smiling down from heaven on this special time. ~sigh~
We did not have Christmas with our kids until this past Tuesday evening, after all the family had headed towards home. It was a long time coming but that did not alter the fun of the evening. We were sorry that our SIL did not get to join us due to work. ~it does get in the way at times~ But, we had a special celebration with him while we were all at The Gaylord a couple of week ends ago.
We began by Poppa reading the Christmas story and then singing Away in the Manager and letting Hanna Beth and Clancy blow out the candles on the cake. We waited until after our gift giving to cut into the cake and enjoy a piece.
Thank goodness all of our family gets into "picture taking" and it's always a lot more fun with some props. (thanks to Etsy) What would Christmas be without a little silliness. ~chuckle~
And, what would Christmas be without a little gift giving. We had some Vera Bradley, Under Armor, Lego's and My Little Pony items. And, the big girls were quite proud of their director's chairs but they call them their "teacher chairs." They will be so cute sitting in them as they teach their students.
We had our last Christmas in this house in grand style for sure and made some lasting memories that will not soon be forgotten.
We are now undecorated and ready to move with excitement into 2015. May yours be an especially blessed year!
Your DIL and your daughter are both teachers? I didn't know that.
ReplyDeleteIt sure looks like you had a wonderful (extended) Christmas. Thanks for sharing it with us.
What precious days. They are so few and far between, and for your dad, it must have been such a treasure to be with all of you.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Lea, it's always fun to come over here and see all of your beautiful pictures and catch up on what you are doing. Your new house in such a wonderful project, can't wait to see the final results!
Hi Cici and Happy New Year. Loved seeing the pics of your family-life is so much richer with kids and grands! Wishing you and yours a blessed and rich New Year. Now, I'm going to backtrack and read the posts I've somehow missed.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Noreen
Looks like a wonderful Christmas and such a special time to have all the family together!!! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteSo many sweet faces and lots of fun times! So happy that you shared this special post of dear family!
ReplyDeleteLots of sweet memories. I love the props too, I'm going to have to remember this for the next time we have a family gathering...what fun! It looks like you all had a wonderful Christmas, I am sure your Dad enjoyed all the family. I know we seldom ever get to be all together anymore. Looking forward to following you in the year to come...blessings to you and yours
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you had so much fun, I love all the pictures of your beautiful family and the cake for Jesus is so pretty.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely family you have, and what fun for you all to share the rare special moments together. The props you shared add cleverness to the celebration. I enjoyed seeing all the happy smiles.
ReplyDeleteWishing you joy in the year ahead!