We're Party Animals

This has been a CRAZY weekend.  Since Friday evening our calendar has looked like this:  Christmas party with church friends, run errands, return library books, go to the Nutcracker, go to a wedding, go to extended family Christmas party, go to Sunday School, bell choir performance, Christmas play performance, another extended family gathering.  It was all fun, but we are so tired we can't wait to go to school tomorrow so we can have a break!

   This afternoon we went to the Christmas gathering of the other side of my family.  We played games...

were entertained by the dog...

decorated cookies...

and made crafts.

Rachel even found time to snuggle with Granny.

Instead of a gift or ornament exchange, everyone brought items to donate to a foster care children's home.  We filled several huge boxes with clothing, toys, pajamas, bath items, and wrapping paper.  The kids had fun sorting through all the stuff and were excited to see what some other children will enjoy.  It was such a nice change from the endless gift giving - I hope we continue this tradition!

My aunt gave all the kids (9 of them from 4 years to 5th grade) puzzles and wonderful little lanterns.

This little light of mine, shining at Christmas time!

The weekend is over and we are looking forward to a calmer week, Christmas and all!