Christmasing

We have squeezed in several Christmas gatherings during our first few days in Michigan.  Lots of aunties and cousins were anxious to see Jonah again, and thankfully, he continues to display zero signs of stranger anxiety.  He was happily entertained, and doted over, by any and everyone.

Christmas Eve Eve
On Sunday, we gathered with the Briggs clan.  In fact, we realized it was the first time in many, many years all of Grandma Kathy's progeny were together in one place (or ever, if you count the newest greats).  So of course, we got some pictures.

First up, 11 grandsons and 6 granddaughters...

And ten great-grandchildren...

Plus five children and twelve spouses/significant others.  Whew!  It was a packed house.  But always a good time at Grandma Kathy's - there's always plenty of food and football.  And usually a few hours of board games.  Brandon even talked everyone into Trivial Pursuit.

Jonah and second cousin, Autumn, were dressed in their Christmas best

She poked him...

He pushed her...

And she reminded him that she is older and bigger.  Good times!

Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve day, Erin and Aaron hosted the Alleman family gathering in their new-for-2012 house (isn't it wonderful when all of the parties happen in the same town, and you never have to travel more than a few blocks??).  It was another full house, and we spent the afternoon eating, visiting and playing games.  We did it potluck-style and ended up with quite the spread, including four kinds of meat: beef brisket, pork loin, turkey and ham.

Christmas Day

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

On Christmas Day we had a low-key morning at Grandpa and Bibi's house opening a few gifts and sharing a delicious brunch.

He reached in (through the lid) to grab a block, but when he tried to pull it out, the whole thing came with it - haha :)

In the afternoon we drove out to Aunt Julie and Uncle David's house for ribs and pie.  And cheesecake.  And peanut butter buckeyes.  And cookies.  And more Trivial Pursuit.

Today we're recovering from all the eating.  Brandon and Rob just trudged out to the woods to chop down some trees and probably do some pull-ups, or something.  Hope your Christmas was shared with those you love, in celebration of the coming of our King.  Oh come, oh come, Emmanuel.  Merry Christmas!