Christmas parties

Each year there are always so many holiday parties to attend.
Unfortunately this year we weren't able to make it to all of the parties, but we still managed to dress up in green & red, have some apple cider, take part in gift exchanges, and get into the spirit of Christmas!

We had our growth group over for a Christmas dinner/gift exchange. The kiddos loved playing together since they normally only see each other for a few minutes & then go to sleep in side-by-side pack-n-plays while we have Bible study.

Jordy & Darcy...Jolie's wandering somewhere

Leif & Marisa...Canon must be with Jolie

Evan, Tyler, & Desi...poor Tyler got sick as the evening went on & couldn't play for long

Lorna, Landon, & Kieran

Landon had a fan club

The girls & kids
(I didn't get a couples shot of the Beiswengers...so in front is Karen with sleepy Ava)

The dads with the kids
(Szabo, Szabo, Palmquist, Swanson, Beiswenger, Leathers)

My friend, Kelly had an ornament exchange party. Everyone brings an unwrapped tree ornament & hangs them on display. Then just like a gift exchange, you draw numbers & pick ornaments. Of course, there is stealing involved, which always makes for excitement!
I got a pickle ornament...has anyone heard of the pickle ornament tradition? It sounds like a fun one to start!

My mom happened to be down because it was her Wednesday to watch Bennett, so she came too! It was fun to have a little Christmas celebration with her.

The girls