Annual Family Christmas Party

Every year, Russ's brother and his family host the entire side of his family at their home during the holidays.  This is no simple get together.  There are five brothers (including Russ's dad), 14 grandchildren, and a whole lot more great grandchildren.  I wouldn't dare try to count them.  However, Jimmy and Roan always make it feel like a fun and relaxed family gathering.  Honestly, it's the one time out of the year that we are all (or mostly) together.  There are always those who can't make it or live out of town, but we enjoy reconnecting with this side of our family.

And I know everyone is as appreciative as we are that Jimmy and Roan open their home to us all.  However many that may be!

The crazy hostess of the evening

Everyone brought a dessert or appetizer, and Roan had two different soups, hot chocolate, and spiced tea ready for us.  Everyone grabs a plate and finds a spot to land for the evening.  Or, as most of the men do, just stand around talking eating straight from the serving dishes.  Ha!  We always enjoy a nice evening of visiting and laughing while the kids run around playing all over the house.

Jenny (Russ's sister), Seth (our nephew) and his girlfriend with Millie Janalee

Russ and Russell were in charge of keeping up with Millie Janalee for the night

This is where I found her.  Playing with a chainsaw.  Hmmm...

Pretty ladies - Lynn, Roan, and Julie and Olivia (two of our nieces)

A few of the boys checking out the cats...and maybe the gifts too.

Mia and Emily Anne

Jimmy and Mark

Roan always has her kitchen table set up for the kids to eat on.  She covers it in butcher paper and places crayons and markers all around.  Millie Janalee enjoyed coloring her own Christmas pictures.  I think the big girls had a great time helping her too.

Coloring is serious business

"Isn't it beautiful, Leah?!"

Jimmy worked hard gathering old family photos from Christmases past from other family members.  He created a wonderful slide show to play continuously throughout the night.  It was fun watching Russ and the others as children.  And how we have all aged and changed over the years. 

Julie, Jimmy, Olivia, and Olivia's friend watching the slide show

As always, we missed the families who could not make it.  But we loved our time with those who were there!  Let's see...this picture has family representatives from four out of the five brothers.  Not bad.  Not bad at all!

Many thanks to Jimmy and Roan for a festive family gathering!