Hootnanny & Cousin Fun

                       

It's been a busy week. Between homeschooling, making Christmas pajamas, company and parties, this is the first time in days and days that I have had a few moments to catch up with the "normal" list of To-Do's. Hannah and Jeremiah, along with their Scottie, Posh, came on Saturday and spent a couple of days with us. On Sunday, my sister, brother-in-law, and their six children came to visit for a few days. And then on Monday, my in-laws came. We have had so much fun! All the cousins have spent hours playing air-soft wars.

 We love nothing better than to have wall-to-wall kids having so much fun.

                     

                       

 

With 10 children, 13 and under, there's always a buddy to play with. This is Ben and his sweet cousin Sarah. She's four. Isn't she adorable?

Last night, we had our annual Christmas Music Extravaganza (renamed this year by a friend: The Hootnanny). We invite friends who play instruments, and those who just like to come eat and visit, and spend the evening enjoying old friendships and building new ones. This year, we had fewer guests than usual--too many conflicts on the calendar. But, it was perfect, as always.

 Elizabeth and her three year old cousin, Rachael.

 The kids love sitting around the fire pit, making s'mores.

 Caleb hasn't played his mandolin for a while, so it was fun to hear him.

 Visiting and eating, and eating and visiting. We had friends from church, the neighborhood, lots of family and some of the kid's friends all come for the evening.

 The kids decided they wanted to watch a movie, so all the cousins and friends piled in the den.

Next, it was time for Christmas carols.

 I love how Grandpa has his cup in his pocket.

 Rachael thinks Caleb is pretty fun.

 It's wall-to-wall pallets of cousins in the den and study, with some overflow into bedrooms.

Making lots of fun memories this Christmas season and counting our blessings. Wishing for you His Abundant Blessings as we all celebrate God's Greatest Gift.