3rd Annual Cousins Christmas

Last weekend saw the 3rd party at our house in just over a month. While I love being the hostess with the mostest, I must admit I'm relieved all party preparations are behind us. This one was the easiest as we were doing potluck so we had little to do in the way of food prep. And, what we did do, Mike single handedly took care of. However, I find myself constantly "staging" our house in the effort to get more boxes unpacked between every party. This one was no exception and I stayed busy in the days leading up to it getting the house ready.

All of Mike's cousins on his Mom's side live in the area and are around the same age as us (give or take 7 or 8 years). And, they also happen to be pretty great people that we enjoy being around. 3 years ago, one of them had the wise idea to do a yearly Christmas gathering and the tradition has been going strong since. Parents are invited too!

Not much is planned for the event other than bringing food and our fun selves. We do a gift swap for the kids but other than that, the evening is designed to be low key so we can just enjoy each others company. The party, as expected, was a great time. The adults enjoyed themselves, the kids enjoyed themselves, we all had full bellies and smiles on our faces. Obviously, a successful party.

Gathered in the kitchen as folks always seem to do at parties

Pretty Ladies - Kat, Leah and Jessie

Mmmmm.....cupcakes! Dylan and Nancy

He enjoyed at least one of each sweet that was brought.

Justin

The Present Swap

Ryan exhibited pure kid joy when seeing his Buzz and Woody doll gifts.

Dylan gives Leah a bow.

Air hockey - awesome!

All good times must come to an end though. Once kid bed time arrived, it was time to say our goodbyes.

Dylan and Ryan having a goodbye hug.

Dylan and Justin with their goodbye hug.

We normally have this same group together at Easter. Hopefully, though, we won't have to wait until the next major holiday to spend some family time together.