Christmas celebration #3 was with Dad's side of the family, where we continually strive to define "Big Family"... I love it! This year we have officially outgrew anyone's house. Both Christmas and Thanksgiving were held at the Parish Hall at St. Mary's Church in Navilleton, Indiana. While it's not quite as "home-y", the Aunts did a wonderful job of decorating and setting up for the event.
Family members started trickling in about about 5:45 pm with dinner planned for shortly after 6pm. After a delicious dinner and catching up with cousins and family, we gathered around the grandparents for gifts. Grandma sewed all the ladies a large purse and all the children a shoulder bag. She's crafty and makes gifts every year. One year she made everyone a chess/checkers board!
After the gifts, the next generation of family (the great grandchildren) resurrected the traditional Christmas Talent Show! It brought back memories of my childhood and putting on the show for the parents! Although thanks to the church facilities, the great grandchildren had a real stage on which to perform, while the grandchildren always made do with the basement corner or the cleared out dinning room.
Anyways, here are some pictures from the evening!
Grandma, Grandpa, 16 grand children (2 not present), 13 great-grand children (2 not present and 2 on the way!!!)
Foster lounging after the show
More home made music
In-laws... we'll let them stay.
Cousins Michelle, Lucas, Sarah, Katy, and Mom and sister Laura
The Talent Show!!!
More Talent Show!
Cousin Lisa and Conner
Lilly and Kaylee...Sisters?
Cousin Michelle
My dad's sisters... each individually known as my favorite Aunt.
Grandpa and Grandma and their 7 kids (Dad is on the left).
