Who's the man with the bow in his hair?

What a good question. No, he didn't have too much eggnog, he just seems to get a little goofy at family gatherings. You always have to watch out for uncle Mike. The LeRoy's and Bowman's gathered for our annual Christmas party with Santa in tow. We always have a great time and eat a lot of incredible food made by all of the family. We have started the tradition of a white elephant gift exchange, which always turns out to be a big laugh. There was the 185 ounce can of tomato sauce, the homemade alcohol from some European country, smuggled into the country-don't ask, a bloody mary kit, and a Christmas pig piggy bank. Those are just a few of the gifts

It was amazing to get all the kids on the couch for a picture at the same time. They all had a good time seeing Santa. There were a few of the kids who have been wondering about the existence of Santa Clause, but seeing him in person squashed those thoughts. They all thought it was great, even grandma Karen who sat on his lap and got goosed by the guy in the red suit. Sophia warmed right up to Santa. You never know what the little ones think.




Noah cautiously jumped up onto Santa's lap and made sure he had the year, make and model number of the bike he wanted. Better watch out Santa if you get him the wrong gift this year. Noah will send his army after you in a loving way of course.








Jacob still thinks that Santa can do no wrong. It is a great time to be a kid. You never want them to lose their enthusiasm for Christmas.











Jonah was the one we were most worried about. We thought he may rip off Santa's beard and show the world the horror of all that is being hidden from children everywhere. We were glad that he was amazed at Santa and that he took time out of his busy schedule to come and see him. Now he is his biggest supporter. It is only a matter of time.






A picture of "the crowd" watching Santa do his magic and work the room.












Dana (15) and Jonah (6) had to take come time away from the crowd and get in some heavy duty pillow fighting before dinner. Dana is always so good with all of the younger kids. He has definitely earned the respect of all of the young cousins. Dana is king among the clan.








Grandpa Doug helping Santa out near the tree. There are so many kids, he needed some extra help calling out some of the names. That Santa suit can get awful hot, so hot that it can even fog your glasses.









Mark, Marcy, and Kristyn watching Santa give out the gifts. Marcy seems to have had an extra glass of wine prior to Santa coming.












Just a picture of more of the adults which looks really boring, I know. Jonah is giving uncle Mike a bear hug. He reminds him of Papa Mark with the beard.

We had a great time and the kids ran the whole time. Tradition is nice. It really got us in the Christmas mood for more festivities. Merry Christmas to all.

RnR2007