December 20, 2012

The Great In-Law Christmas Party

 
We've been doing a fair amount of traveling lately. So much so that my washing machine hates me for forcing it to work over time during the holidays, (I'm certain of it) and we've put over 600,000 miles on our car.
 
Since I never exaggerate and I've written it on the Internet, you know it's true.
 
Last weekend was the annual in-law family Christmas party.
 
There are nine children in Hubby's family and they were all coming with their families. Not to mention Hubby's parents and grandfather. So, it has become a tradition to reserve this party-type building so we can fit everyone. Also true to tradition, we were about an hour and a half late to the party.
 
Wouldn't want to break our streak now would we? Besides when you write so elegantly that you use phrasing like, "party-type building", you're off the hook for a lot of things.

 
The kids love it though. Endless food, racquetball, air hockey, a movie projector, a play room... did I mention endless food? 
 
 
There is something about being around Hubby's family that instills within me, a sense that I'm completely normal.
 
Lovely Lane. (I told you I'd be posting this one)
 
 

Mike and Hubby.

 
Seriously, who knew they'd be willing to be themselves in front of the camera? It's always an unusual and interesting experience.

After lunch it was time for the gift exchange!!


There was a whole lot of excitement going through the ranks.



Since there are a gazillion grand kids (literally), my ever-so-brilliant sister in-laws came up with the idea that we would do a book exchange for all the children. So each child gives to another so they all get to open something.

Michelle... or Byrn... (Dang, now I can't remember which one!) made this awesome "book holder".

They still need to add a few of the new babies names but this is a super fun and easy way to keep track of the books!




After the book exchange, starting oldest to youngest, each of the siblings handed out gifts to the family whose name they drew for that year.

Hubby's sister Haylee and drawn our name this year.

Since the biggest box in the room was for us, the kids were beyond excited.

I'm fairly certain they were hyperventilating..


It was a mini air hockey table! Everyone was begging to try it out but Hubby said no.

He was not the favorite uncle of the hour at that point.
 

Then there were gifts from Grandma.


Towels with each grandchild's names embroidered on them.


I loved watching this soon-to-be family. (Mike and Marcy were married on Tuesday!)


My little nephew. Look at that adorable little face!


Admit it, you totally want to pinch those cheeks.

My sister-in-law Bryn helping great-grandpa open his gifts.


The newest grand baby. Isn't she precious? Haylee waited ten years for this little one, so she is precious indeed.


And here you have it! All 28 grand kids. I think it's up to 28 now anyway. They are all in the picture minus one who just woke up from a nap and showed no interest whatsoever in sitting for a photo.



Not bad eh? I'm just sad you can't see cute little Zander behind Breanna's head. But if you look closely behind the girl holding the little baby, you can see a bit of his adorable bright red hair.

Pretty crazy.


After gifts and pictures, it was "go-play-out-in-the-snow" time!

Don't worry, I would never participate in such a ridiculously cold activity.

Especially since to this day, I don't own an ounce of snow gear. Maybe someday I will but until that day comes, I'm perfectly content to sit tight, be warm, and sip hot cocoa.


Still, I felt bad that we didn't bring any of the kids snow gear. Luckily everyone was willing to share their extras.

Alayna was graciously given an extra set of snow pants... size 2T. I should mention that she wears 5T clothes.


I wasn't quite sure how this was going to work with her sparkly shoes, then uncle Matt came to the rescue with some boots.

Joseph however, had no interest in going outside. He wanted to stay and play air hockey with dad!

Now dad, let me tell you how to play.

First, you do NOT get on top of the board, like this.....


and second, do NOT put your hands all over it, like this.....


Thanks for that visual there Captain Obvious.


We came home that night.

Sunday dawned with the kids itching to try out their new air hockey game!



I don't think Cliff and Haylee could have found a more perfect present.

Thank you so much guys!

The End.

5 super cool people speak:

marcie said...

Thanks for posting Serene! I didn't even bring a camera! It was so good to see you guys. :)

Susan Anderson said...

Such fun with the family. Thanks for sharing it via pictures!

=)

Neisha said...

I love the book exchange, what a great idea!

Mama Smith said...

Oh...I know "envy" is a "sin"...so...can I just say..."How I wish we all lived closer to have a gathering like this once a year?" Need to find a place BIG ENOUGH...for our group...as well...LOVE THE BOOK EXCHANGE idea! OK...if we keep PRAYING HARD enough...one day...we might have us close in range...well...closer, anyway! (smile) LOVE IT!

WoozleMom said...

Another vote for the awesomeness of the book exchange! I'll have to remember that.

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