Every Christmas Eve my mom's family all gets together. The family gets bigger and bigger every year, so what used to be all evening has turned into a short message from my Grandpa, singing some Christmas carols, and a little chatting, then everyone goes their seperate ways. The picture below is of my aunt Chris wanting to sing White Christmas because it was her husband's favorite, he passed away this year, so she was a little emotional.
A view of my huge extended family from the top of my mom's stairs
The Bishops (my mom's sister and her fam) stayed at our house to have dinner and then we all went caroling after a lot of indecision on whether we should go and risk our lives in a huge snow storm. By the time we decided to go, the storm had let up which was nice. This is my favorite tradition that we have. I have been going since I was 8, and haven't missed a year since. The people are always so appreciative and most get emotional. It helps me to see the true meaning of Christmas.*Funny story of the night* My aunt went up to an older lady after we were done singing to her and rubbed her hand and told her Merry Christmas. The nurse afterward leaned over and told her that the woman had a skin disease and that my aunt should wash her hands immediately! Yikes!
Aunt Mary, Shannon, Uncle Dan
Brynlee, Bethany, & Halle
Brynlee & Ryan
Melanie & Ryan
Greg and I
Lisa & Scott
Greg & Mom
Cody & Sarah
Carl & Mel
Shannon & Tim
We have a gift exchange between the siblings and also our kids have an exchange. Carter got this fun dart gun (from the dollar store) and played with it all night!
After caroling and the gift exchange all the kids went upstairs and the adults played another quiz that James had put together. One of the rounds was singing Christmas songs in a different way like rap, country, barbershop quartet, or boy band. This is Scott being the leader of the boy band and shaking his booty. We were all laughing our heads off with the latino dance moves.
We finally at about 11:30 went to our own houses to get ready for Christmas. I did not have one thing wrapped before Christmas Eve. I did some that afternoon but still had a ton to do at midnight. I vow next year to do it a little at a time, because it was rough! James and I didn't get to bed until about 2:30. We did manage to have Santa come and eat some chocolate chip cookies and mince pies, while Rudolph got some carrots. Carter thought it was so cool.
He filled our stockings...
...and left us tons of gifts! We video taped most of Christmas morning at our house so no pics, sorry! I figured we had enough of other things! The boys woke up at 7:30, opened their presents, we talked to James' family on the webcam, made a yummy breakfast, and hurried to get ready to be at my mom's house at 11 to open presents.
To simplify things this year my mom decided to give the kids a dollar for every year old they were. About two days before Christmas she decided she thought it was a dumb idea but still went ahead with it since there was no time left to shop. She also gave all the boys a soft football and the girls some lip gloss. Carter thought it was all great. Preston didn't know the difference!
Carter picking the ball out he wanted
James with his new bike helmet from my parents. He was way excited! We got so spoiled this year! From my parents my big gift was a beautiful mirror to put in my room. I'm not sure if I will put it in there because I want everyone to see it! James got a deep fat fryer to make fish and chips, a really fun game Ticket to Ride Europe edition, and some new clothes. All in all we had a great day and hope you all had a very Merry Christmas too!
A view of my huge extended family from the top of my mom's stairs
The Bishops (my mom's sister and her fam) stayed at our house to have dinner and then we all went caroling after a lot of indecision on whether we should go and risk our lives in a huge snow storm. By the time we decided to go, the storm had let up which was nice. This is my favorite tradition that we have. I have been going since I was 8, and haven't missed a year since. The people are always so appreciative and most get emotional. It helps me to see the true meaning of Christmas.*Funny story of the night* My aunt went up to an older lady after we were done singing to her and rubbed her hand and told her Merry Christmas. The nurse afterward leaned over and told her that the woman had a skin disease and that my aunt should wash her hands immediately! Yikes!
Aunt Mary, Shannon, Uncle Dan
Brynlee, Bethany, & Halle
Brynlee & Ryan
Melanie & Ryan
Greg and I
Lisa & Scott
Greg & Mom
Cody & Sarah
Carl & Mel
Shannon & Tim
We have a gift exchange between the siblings and also our kids have an exchange. Carter got this fun dart gun (from the dollar store) and played with it all night! 
After caroling and the gift exchange all the kids went upstairs and the adults played another quiz that James had put together. One of the rounds was singing Christmas songs in a different way like rap, country, barbershop quartet, or boy band. This is Scott being the leader of the boy band and shaking his booty. We were all laughing our heads off with the latino dance moves. 
We finally at about 11:30 went to our own houses to get ready for Christmas. I did not have one thing wrapped before Christmas Eve. I did some that afternoon but still had a ton to do at midnight. I vow next year to do it a little at a time, because it was rough! James and I didn't get to bed until about 2:30. We did manage to have Santa come and eat some chocolate chip cookies and mince pies, while Rudolph got some carrots. Carter thought it was so cool.
He filled our stockings...
...and left us tons of gifts! We video taped most of Christmas morning at our house so no pics, sorry! I figured we had enough of other things! The boys woke up at 7:30, opened their presents, we talked to James' family on the webcam, made a yummy breakfast, and hurried to get ready to be at my mom's house at 11 to open presents.
To simplify things this year my mom decided to give the kids a dollar for every year old they were. About two days before Christmas she decided she thought it was a dumb idea but still went ahead with it since there was no time left to shop. She also gave all the boys a soft football and the girls some lip gloss. Carter thought it was all great. Preston didn't know the difference!
Carter picking the ball out he wanted
James with his new bike helmet from my parents. He was way excited! We got so spoiled this year! From my parents my big gift was a beautiful mirror to put in my room. I'm not sure if I will put it in there because I want everyone to see it! James got a deep fat fryer to make fish and chips, a really fun game Ticket to Ride Europe edition, and some new clothes. All in all we had a great day and hope you all had a very Merry Christmas too! 
5 comments:
We LOVE Ticket to Ride! We should get together and play it sometime!
I love all the pictures. I didn't take any! We are up at the cabin having a great time. We will see you guys tomorrow. It was a great holiday season with you!
I love your pictures, and I think James needs to do one of these quiz games for a Tenney party. Scott is so hilarious! I wish I could have seen his act in person. I am sad that there wasn't any pictures from the Tenney party! It was sooo nice to sit and chat with you! You are a FUN girl! Love ya!
It's so true, isn't it? Why do kids always want to play with the toys that only cost a dollar?!
Sorry about your kitchen set. That sucks! I feel your pain. I loved all the pictures...could there be any more Tenney's or Stephenson's, seriously? We just don't go away!
I love reading about all the fun traditions your family has! How fun that you all were able to be together for Christmas. I'm jealous!
Looks like you had a great time!
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