Christmas was an awesome time for our family - getting to be together as a big group doesn't happen as often as we'd like since are so scattered. Last year it was just Mom, Ryan and I on Christmas morning; this year we added Erik, Colleen, Elisa, and Sadie; Forrest, Amy, and Ephraim; Grandpa Jack; and Charles, Peggy, Christina, and Kimi. We had a blast together making tamales for Christmas Eve, going to Rock Harbor's candlelight service, opening presents (especially watching the kids open presents) and eating poteka (since our family alone can eat a whole one, we made three), playing some new games, catching up, and eating a really great dinner.
Christina had all of the kiddos enthralled, and Ephraim especially bonded with her in a way he rarely does
Kimi opened a box of Pedi-paws from her dad, and wasn't convinced it was the best of presents :)
Ephraim knew exactly what to do with his new T-ball set
Sadie enjoying the tutu Alie made for her
Grandpa Jack
On Saturday my cousin Dennis and his family (Mindy, Jacob, and Joelle) came to visit too. That made a total of nineteen in the house that night. We had so much fun! We jumped in the river for the 2nd Annual Polar Bear Plunge (myself, Kimi, Dennis, Forrest, and Erik - Ryan was told he had to by the guys but then faked jumping in and high-tailed it back to the house and hid from us for the next half hour). We played Twister for over an hour, which was hilarious. We talked and laughed all day - it is so good to be with family.
Jumping into the Willamette - notice Ryan's fake-out
Brothers-in-law
Dennis and Mindy duking it out
On Sunday our extended family had to get back to their homes, so my grandpa took us all to McCormick & Schmidts for brunch before heading out. The Wachobs, Arnolds and I then went to Pacific City for some fun on the dune and Erik's first trip to the Oregon Coast (and Mo's).
