Russ's Family Christmas

A few days after Christmas, we were able to celebrate with Russ's side of the family.  We missed our traditional Christmas Eve celebration, but Russ and I also enjoyed a less rushed Christmas.  Usually, we are rushing around getting ready for the Christmas Eve service shortly after we open gifts.  So it was nice to relax and spend the day visiting with the family.

Millie Janalee and Granmomma looking through photo albums

As always, there is never a shortage of help with our babies!  Everyone waiting their turn for the baby while the younger "older cousins" play tea party and who knows what else with the toddler.

Julie and Smith

Me, Grace, Jenny, and Smith

Seth loves his sweet baby cousin too!

Leah entertaining Millie Janalee...or vice versa.  Hehe!

We enjoyed spending time visiting while the kids played.  Then it was time for lunch.  Olivia was in town from college, so she enjoyed a little nap too.  I'm not sure how she did that with all the littles running around.

Russ's dad and Olivia

Clay and Roan

Jimmy and Russ - brothers

After eating, everyone began to gather in the sunroom for gifts.  The kids always enjoy passing the gift around.  Millie Janalee basically just got them all mixed back up, but she had a blast doing so.

Learning the ropes

Jenny, me, Millie Janalee, and Leah

Roan helping to corral a sleepy Millie Janalee

The hubs and me

Because there are so many of us (10 grandkids), the children open gifts first while the adults man the clean up and keep up with who gave who what gifts.  In an attempt to thank the correct family member.  That doesn't always go as planned, but we get an A for effort!

The gift of the night! Handmade Anna and Elsa dolls from Julie!

Loving her Madeline book from Aunt Roan!

The older girls are so sweet to help Millie Janalee in the midst of their own excitement over new gifts.  And there is excitement!  The girls are always so animated and fun to watch as they open their gifts.  Always grateful for anything they receive.

Julie helping Millie Janalee

And the adults are sitting back watching the chaos.  Some more tired than others...

Roan and Jimmy

Russ catching all the action

Finally, we move all the little people out of the sunroom with all their gifts.  They spent the rest of the day and night playing with their new gifts.  And we opened the adult gifts!  And of course, I don't have any pictures of adults.  Ha!  I'm slipping as my family grows.  I do, however, have this one random picture of Russ opening a gift card of some kind.  He looks happy.

Smith wasn't  really sure what he had gotten himself into.  But I think he'll grow to love it!  In fact, he will probably be the most active one next year.  For sure!

Smith and Aunt Jenny

So thankful for close family and fun memories!