Celebrating Family

The Lord started this season with a mother and child so I don't think I can do much better than that! Jerilyn and Natalie take a few moments to just look beautiful.

Shane, Christy, Alex, Tyler, Jerilyn, Jackson & Natalie all arrived on the same flight Wednesday (after Christmas). We sort of 'smushed' everything together with Thursday morning being our Christmas morning then swinging right into New Year's Eve and New Year's day. On Saturday we celebrated Alex's birthday and then Ty, Jerilyn & kids flew out Sunday. Shane, Christy & Alex left Monday with John & Lindsey driving home on Tuesday (before the next snow storm). Everyone made it home safe & sound. We had a wonderful, wonderful time so come along with us.

Christmas Morning

Happy chaos of Christmas morning. The kids are checking out their baskets.

Jackson isn't real sure about this elf hat thing

Tyler checking out Natalie while Ryan checks out his video.

I'm explaining to Katie that this ornament is 'Princess Katie' since she knows ALL the princesses and this one didn't look familiar.

Katie and Natalie sharing a moment during the gift opening. Natalie was fascinated with her and Katie was fascinated right back.

Katie showing Papa her new book

Audrey patiently waiting - it was wonderful to see her keeping up with everyone. Her color and her energy level was amazing!

This bag has a masculine flair doesn't it?

Pat and I did a family calendar with pictures from the last few years. Everyone's birthday and anniversary is shown with their pictures and just lots of other fun pictures throughout. It was fun watching everyone look through them and remember when the pictures were taken.

Noah is looking a bit concerned about one of the pictures - maybe I should have gotten a release.

Jackson enjoying looking at his new car . . . . .

Jackson NOT enjoying that big guy taking his car and claiming to help get it out of the box!!!

Alex with her new bead kit. Christy put in hours later helping the girls string beads. She's a better person than I am!

It was great watching Jackson dealing well with the commotion. By the end of the weekend he was holding his own and running around like he owned the place. He loved Katie and he played 'by' Caleb a lot.

Natalie, on the other hand, was good with the commotion from the start. She spent most of our Christmas morning passed out on Papa's lap. She is the most beautiful baby with a darling little personality. Very laid back and absolutely thrilled when someone talks to her.

Noah and Seth with their personalized baseball bats

Noah was very excited about a new bionicle!!

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Christmas morning passed and before you knew it we were setting up the buffet for New Year's Eve. We played a number of games but mostly just enjoyed visiting and eating.

The following are just a few shots taken throughout the weekend.

Blue eyed Caleb spent most of the weekend with this sweet smile on his face, just hanging out with whoever was willing to give him some time.

Shane catching up on life outside the house

Jackson LOVES vehicles of any kind. As long as you kept wheels on the computer screen he was your guy!

Jack playing with Papa

Papa and some of his girls

Jackson and Lindsey discussing the 'walking on sunshine' music button that the adult kids hate and the little kids love.

I love Ryan's mouth showing Caleb how to eat. Trust me, Caleb does not need to be shown how to eat but some parental responses never change.

Caleb 'farming' with Joy - we started this during the month spent in the waiting room after Audrey's surgery

When the going gets tough the tough go to bed and watch a movie!

Did you know that humidifiers will make your hair stand up? Caleb was thrilled when he discovered this.

Joy and Katie heading to the sledding hill by the pond. Check out Lindsey's blog for pictures of sledding activities.

Audrey, Alex and Katie helping Shane mix up Great-great grandma's sugar cookie recipe.

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Saturday we had a very special treat. Lindsey & John made homemade pasta and Shane made a wonderful creamy red sauce along with bruschetta.

Lindsey showing Noah how to use her new pasta machine.

And finally eating the fruits of Shane & Lindsey's labors. I had no idea homemade pasta was as light and delicious as it was. Shane always makes wonderful sauces but he outdid himself on this one. We sat and ate and talked for a long time.

Alex's birthday is December 3rd so when they come home for Christmas we throw a birthday party for her. Aunt Steph bakes a great cake and we all get to celebrate. Here Papa helps her read what her new CDs are.

Another one of Steph's creations

Cake lighting by committee. We were thrilled Steph could be with us since she has been working 12 hours shifts for over a week. She dispatches the snow plows and then write the reports for the city of Lee's Summit during snow events. Jeff was even able to be with us on Friday. He has been working 6 days a week and sometimes more.

Katie watching the cake process - notice the tiny bit of sauce on her cheek. That was probably equal to her total calorie intake for dinner!


Hanging out in the kitchen while cake is being served. Come to think of it we probably spent most of our time hanging out in the kitchen - not a bad way to pass a family weekend.