My mom's side of the family gets together the first Saturday of December to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas. We've grown quite a bit over the years, with 19 great-grandchildren added to the mix. I love this chance to catch up on everyone's news. We only have these gatherings about 3 times a year. There is always de-licious food...my mom and all four of her sisters are fantastic cooks.
Camille with my grandfather...It is hard for me to imagine my GRANDCHILDREN having children. I wonder what grandpa thinks as he looks at all the people in that room that would not be in the world if it wasn't for him. Oh, and my grandfather is in fabulous shape. As I'm the middle grandchild, I'm sure there are many more great-grandchildren in his future...no, that is not an announcement.
Camille, although not quite the youngest baby there, was still quite a hit.
Adeline with HER grandpa.
My mom's family is very musical, so we traditionally bring instruments and have a time of singing. I love hearing the four part harmony as everyone's voices blend.
Some day, sweetie, some day...
Games are usually a part of this gathering as well. I think Patrick was the Scrabble champion of the evening.
I have such fond memories of being together with my extended family as a kid, and I love that my kids can now enjoy these large gatherings. I know many of you do not live near family, or were away from family this year (we missed you Mark and Michelle). I am so thankful for the wonderful heritage in my family and that so many of us continue to gather each year.
11 comments:
Having a family like this is such a blessing. My dad's family remains close and there are 10 siblings, so it's a huge bunch! I'm thankful for that heritage as well.
I love that you make music together!
Wow, your family outnumbers ours for now... we have 16 great-grandchildren with six more due in 2010. Having a close extended family is definitely something to cherish!
Looks wonderful. We're missing our families this year... first Christmas ever for us to not be with one of our families.
Thanks for the shout out, Lynn. I just mentioned to Mark that we hadn't heard anything about this year's Miller gathering. Looks like it was a full house with lots of food, music, games. We were very thankful for our webcam, since it enabled our families to share gift opening despite the distance....
Thanks for sharing. I get jealous when I see families like this. However, I'm glad I get to be part of Lee's family. Speaking of... will we see you on New Year's Day? :)
That looks like a wonderful, wonderful family gathering.
We're so far away from my parents (or my hubby's parents, for that matter), so I love living vicariously through my bloggy buddies. Thank you for inviting me to "join" your Christmas gathering.
:-D
wow, I see some people I know in those pics. Mrs. Seigrist ( I took piano lessons from her) and Judy and Scott Haldeman. Didn't know you were related to them.
See, Patrick? Everyone took piano lessons from your wife's aunt!
Came back to look at those pictures again!! :-D
what a fun tradition!
Loved seeing some familiar faces in this post. Being close enough to get together like that is DEFINATELY a blessing, I agree!
My dad's side of the family can lend you some competition (22 grands and 21 great grands)...though not all live locally. Regardless, we have a full house!
We always sing, "I'm So Glad I'm A Part of the Family of God" before our meal. Nothing like robust four part harmony!
wow that is amazing lynn. you are blessed indeed to have such a wonderful family within reach. i'm so jealous, in a good way. :P
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