Christmas Images--2011

Everyone was home for Christmas--my entire family as well as my sister and her family and my brother and his family.

Zach, receiving the desired Weber Grill from brother-in-law Mike who had drawn his name.

My oldest daughter Anne...
Mike opening a present on the stairway because all chairs and floor space were occupied.

Jim, pleased with his Italian phrasebook...
Mary and John....
Nephews Luke and Matt giving each other a hug.
My brother Rich...always making us laugh....

Niece Monique with the amazingly great red hair....She is always classy.
Liz, delighted with her new little purse...
Me---falling completely to pieces over the absolutely stunning scrapbook Monique made for me of our trips up to Northern Michigan. It had to have taken her many, many creative hours to put that together. I immediately started crying at her beautiful creativity and amazingly generous spirit.
More presents..... :-)
Husband Mike exulting in his receipt of yet another Lowes Gift Card.
And then there were the Reindeer Games....
Started last year by daughters Anne and Liz, these games are quickly becoming a Christmas day favorite. They gave out thirty some wrapped prizes for the winners of word games, wrapping contests, trivia questions, and the much anticipated poetry contest. (Write a Christmas poem in two minutes.)
Thinks got quite lively and son-in-law Zach was even told quite sternly by his wife Anne that he was "the only reindeer on the Naughty List!!"
And here we all are. This is what it's all about-- the entire family together loving each other and celebrating the sacred birthday of the Prince of Peace.
It was a great Christmas....