Christmas Highlights

 

Just a few pictures until James has time to finish the Christmas video of highlights.  We started the holidays with having the whole family here on the 23rd for the annual Azzle Off and some good relaxed family time before the festivities really got going.  We are 22 strong these days, so it is quite the crew to host!  We had a huge lunch, went on a family hike in the woods behind our house, had the much anticipated Azzle Off (I'm sad to report, we did not place this year...), and then headed out for a bonfire and some singing around the fire thanks to Graham's guitar and guidance. 

 

 

The Men Eating their Christmas Eve Eve Feast

The Azzle Off

Carols by the fire

We packed the car up on the 24th and headed to Karin's parent's house for an overnight and some more Christmas activities.  We started off with blessings as prepared by my parents for each one of us.  This was followed by one of Mom's fabulous Lasagna dinners and of course a visit from Grandma Deuce... long story, but it's become quite the family tradition!  The kids still aren't quite sure who Grandma Deuce is, but they love her! 

 

Christmas morning started off with brunch followed by total chaos while the kids opened their gifts.  Ellie received a telescope (which she was dying for), Ava received an ipod shuffle and Branson got a little racecar set.

 

Ellie and her telescope

Ava and her ipod shuffle

Branson and his race cars

We then moved into the adult gifts - of which there were plenty of fun ones - followed by the adult scavenger hunt to see what Mom and Dad were giving us for Christmas.  Dad crafted an insane scaveneger hunt that took almost an hour and all of us working together to complete.  Rather insane!  Turns out we are getting a weekend away at their house again this year - which is the perfect gift for all of us.  They come to our house and watch our kids while we head to their house for a relaxing weekend away.  It's easily the best vacation we could ask for! 

Christmas Day afternoon was finished off the Grab Bag exchange and the White Elephant Gift Exchange and a wonderful dinner together and Christmas Carols led by Graham once again.  

 

Opening Stockings

All in all, it was a great Christmas - one to truly treasure!  As was discussed , we have yet to see the climax of the Christmas chaos since there are more babies to come in the Wray family (no, we are not pregnant!!) and this year's babies will be toddlers next year, but we look forward to another crazy Christmas in two years! 

 

My sister, Amy/Blogger Extraordinaire has recapped the holidays with a bit more detail and quite a few good stories if you would like to hear even more about Christmas this year:  http://franklyjournaling.blogspot.com/  I highly recommend it :)  There were several funny gifts exchanged among the adults that are worth checking out...as well as some entertaining stories from the various conversations we had. 

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