Joanie, Sarah, Emily, and Anna arrived in the morning to help set things up and then there was some time, before everyone else came, to go sliding with the kids. Just as we were all done and coming in, it started to rain like crazy.
Here's Heather looking like a child runway model in her Christmas dress.
People began to arrive and sort of hang out, waiting for everyone else to come, when we got a call that Chris and Martha, who were also driving Grammie, could not make it up the icy Perron Hill. Wes and I think Cedric, went with their 4 wheel drive trucks to the rescue.
Lots of seating in the basement. Everyone enjoying lots of food. I do mean LOTS of food.
Elijah enjoying a horsey ride.
Sara and Jesse...
Amy and Tyler...
The outlaws held a meeting...
There were Christmas carols...
Cousins galore... looks like Heather is giving them the two thumbs up.
And my favorite picture of the day, Heather taking her nap in Katie's lap. Have you ever seen anything sweeter?
At some point we received another call that Maura and Connor were having trouble on the icy Perron Hill, so the 4 wheel drive brothers went to the rescue again.I'm sorry to say that some people escaped my camera - the very important Grammie, the ever elusive Jacob, the delayed Maura and Connor, and their gracious mother Laura, the busy and helpful Lisa, the camera defiant Jeanne, and probably several more, I'm sure. Maybe Sandy got some people that I missed.
We had the pleasure of having Laura, Paul, Connor, and Maura stay with us for the night, which was great because they are the ones we see less often.
Merry Christmas everyone, and Happy New Year.
First of all, a big enormous thank you needs to go out to Wes and Darlene for hosting about 42 Alexanders for this Christmas gathering! That is not an easy task and they did it so very well.
ReplyDeleteWes, thank you for all the sanding you did that morning. Many of us would not have gotten up the incline of your driveway without all your hard work!
Darlene, thank you for letting us invade your space! That's a lot of people in one house at one time! As always, you were the gracious, calm host whereas many of us Alexander sisters would have been a complete wreck!
Loved the picture of Heather asleep in Katie's arms and the cut out paper snowflakes in the background of the basement photos!
Other things that happened that day just for the record:
Katie and Lizzie had made a Alexander Christmas trivia game that we all played down in the basement. What fun that was! We were an unruly bunch and Lizzie tried to keep us in order by blowing the whistle she had brought along just in case.
Danny and Jacob made this great sculptured bear snowman on the side hill where we go sliding. It was a work of art!
A few brave souls went out to try sliding in the field or for a walk until the rain chased them in.
We were very thankful that so many of us could get together and enjoy each other's company at this special time of year.
Sam, Jr.
Darlene,
ReplyDeleteThanks for all of the beautiful pictures- I didn't realize how much I missed as I chased a 1-year-old around! But your blog makes me feel like I didn't miss a thing.
Thank you so much for hosting the party. I know it's a lot of hard work, your generosity and hospitality did not go unnoticed! And I second Sam, Jr- I don't know how you can remain so calm amidst such chaos! But you never appear frazzled or stressed in the least!!! I could take some lessons from you.
Love you all- Happy New Year!!!
We are very sad to have missed this fun day.
ReplyDeleteThomas is particularly crushed to have not been in one of those empty chairs at The Outlaw Meeting around the table.
Perhaps the third time in my life I have looked at ANY blog, but had very specific e-mail to follow through...GREAT blog Darlene, and yes we loved all the pictures and funny quotes.
ReplyDeleteFYI: Rescue #1. Bonsie, Ced, Paul but no question Peter in the lead as I got to take Mom up the hill.
Rescue #2: I am afraid that Peter, Paul, older Paul, Chris, Wes , Dan,in on the push...Peter making many of the major decisions with Andy (Glover Road Commish)...No sighting of Bonsie.
From
Peter