Parties, Parties, Parties

December was all about parties. In two weekends, we went to four parties. 

The party season started off with an adults only party. The funny thing about this stage in our lives is that our kids are now the drivers of who are friends become. It's pretty weird...not sure I'll ever get used to it. In any case, through our preschool, we met this great family who has become friends. And they just happen to throw a fantastic holiday party every year. We took full advantage of the night having a sitter, went to dinner with one of our couple friends (also met through the preschool) and then had a great night out at the party. Apparently, it was so fun, we somehow went through a festive evening without taking even one picture. And we were even dressed up all pretty like!

Since I don't have a good party picture, here is some of Dylan's Christmas artwork.
It's very recently that he's started to enjoy drawing so I'm thrilled to see what he comes up with.
On the left is Santa (obviously) and on the right is a Christmas tree (bit more of an abstract interpretation).

After partying the night away, we woke up and started getting ready for our next party. This one is a great annual tradition that we've done for 5 years now - Cousins Christmas! Mike's cousins (on his Mom's side) are all local(ish) and all cool people so we gather all the gang to celebrate the season.

Me, Cade, Cousin Leah and Baby Maggie

The boys absolutely adore baby Maggie (the newest in the cousin clan) and were very excited to not only see her, but bring her some of their baby toys. And they took every one out to show her.

Maggie LOVED getting hugs from her cousins.

More Sweet Hugs

And, thanks to Mike's Aunt Jo (who is a mad picture taker and scrap booker), we were all forced to get a picture together for posterity.

In order from oldest (back) to youngest (front) generation.

Always gotta do a crazy face one.

To start out the official week of Christmas, the next weekend was my big annual work Holiday Party. There was dancing, Santa, lots of food and even video games for the kids. It was a blast!

Never missed an opportunity to hug Santa.

The next morning it was up an at 'em again since were were hosting Mike's family for our family's Christmas gathering. The day included much food, libations and silliness.

Also, the rare picture of my lovely in laws.

Siblings - Maureen, Mike (complete with Christmas star head) and Kristina

Cousins
Emily, Cade, Dylan, Corwin and Jacob
(Missing from this picture is Patrick)

And Here They ALL Are!!

Dylan likes to show Uncle Joe his toys.

My Festive Mantel

Cade and Auntie Maureen

The day also had a very competitive game of mini beer pong between Joe and Mike, complete with audience.

Cuties

We had decided to spend Christmas Day at home with the boys so they could fully enjoy the day with their new toys and, also, to prep for our trip to Texas the following evening. We were very glad to have been able to celebrate the holiday with all of Mike's family the weekend before!