Things that I love

The most important thing in my life is my Family. My big, crazy, at times obnoxious, hilarious, mafia like Family. A lot of people think it's crazy that we still get together with my extended family (grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins etc.) On both sides even! Even I feel like it's nuts sometimes because it does get to be a lot of work especially around the holidays. Sometimes it feels like I just shuttle kids around for an entire month and a half. And lets face it, packing everyone and everything is not my favorite past time, but I know that it's important. I can't even imagine where I would be today if I didn't have these people. All of them. And I want my kids to know how important it is to make the effort to be there when the family gets together. I have so many wonderful memories of Christmas parties and Family reunions. Here is the most recent trip and why I love it.

We have rousing games of foosball.


And we are PROs at shuffleboard!


We are quite good at cards as well.




We play with cute babies


We goof around


And open some pretty rockin' gifts

We marvel at how these kiddos are growing up so fast.


There is always tons of food and of course entertainment! The kiddos sang carols


We take care of each others kiddos, and sometimes egg them on (sorry Jen it was too cute!)





Did I mention holding babies?


It gets pretty loud but there are quiet moments








We try to keep our kids from getting to emotional due to lack of sleep!


It usually works!


We take some teasing
this is Parker after helping to hand out all the presents and was told there wasn't one for him!



And we feel the love!
Just kidding Parker boy - they couldn't resist!


But the best part is it's cold outside and we all bundle up and gather in a warm place and spend some time together.



Whew! Did you get all of that? Do you need a nap? You have NO IDEA!