Since we all going out of town, we had our family Christmas party a little early.

KP was off to CA, we were off to AZ, Cam was going to be with Kelly’s family, Maryn was stuck in SD for work, Chadam were at home getting ready for a baby, and Branny was with the in-laws.

Mom was stoked to have everyone over, and to get to host at her new home for the first time.

So we gathered at mom and dad’s place for some Christmas traditions. First things first, Christmas cookie decorating!

Lucas was tired, and all he really wanted was the frosting. Also, Nalitsa and Benji were with us.

People with their cookie creations:

Kelly did this one. Then she made one that looked like her too.

After we cleaned up, Mirah asked what color the frosting would be if we mixed it all up? So she and Kelly mixed up all the remaining frosting and found out! Baby barf green.

Downstairs the party was hopping.

The boys showed off their friendship bracelets. Dad had one too. Cam is just such a sweet dad.

It was time to eat and Ash was helping me get the table set.

The kids at the kids table.

We sat down for dinner.

With out neighbor Ash keeping us company.

My plate:

We had carne asada, enchiladas, tamales and salad. It was delicious.

After the delicious dinner, we went down to open gifts.

We gave all of the kids a $2 bill, to remember the Christmas eve parties of old, when Old Grandpa Ralph Pipkin would give all the Pipkin cousins cash for Christmas. Mirah and Lucas decorated the envelopes, but didn’t know what was in them.

We gave mom and Dad their christmas gifts.

Then the kids did their gift exchange.

Then straight into the white elephant gift exchange.

Once the gifts were over, mom read Luke 2, while the kids used the old felt puppets to act out the story.

Puppeteers take a bow!

The party was breaking up, and kids needed to go to bed. So we said goodbyes.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.