My mom is one of eight siblings, and every year at Christmastime as many as can make it try to get together. This year was a little different, as we had the celebrations the week before Christmas (on our 6th anniversary!). We also had it at a nearby barn for part of the time. It was coollllld, but a neat venue for the fun. We had a pinata, a band ensemble, and a visit from Santa Claus! Enjoy lots and lots of pictures from the fun!
Here's my cousin's little guy, Payton, getting ready for the pinata. He's exactly a week older than Jackson!
Jackson swinging at the pinata.
Cousins!
Diana and her family just welcomed Bunte into their family from Ethiopia a few weeks ago! What fun it was to meet this special little guy. The kids were super excited to meet their new cousin too!
Kathryn was especially excited to have a cousin her age now! You can tell he's already used to cheesing for the camera!
Kathryn and her cousin Joey.
My aunt and uncle, Mark and Ann!
The kids waiting for the pinata to break...
Kathryn taking a turn.
My brother Nick taking his turn.
Finally, it broke! The kids all gathering candy. Look at Bunte!! So cute!!!
Look closely in this picture. Bunte is putting candy into his pockets, but already has a piece sticking out of his mouth. Classic...!
Jackson stuffed his pockets so full!
Johnny and my dad chatting. Cute picture!
Bunte with some of his stash.
Santa came!
Bunte wouldn't sit on Santa's lap until Kathryn sat with him. So cute! (I think Kathryn had a piece of candy in her mouth in this picture...)
At one point in the evening, I looked over and Kathryn was over where the band was. Apparently she was getting a lesson on the dulcimer.
After the visit with Santa, Jackson ran back over to where the candy was and enjoyed being the only one. He sat there for several minutes just putting as much as he could into his pockets!
The band.
My Grandma and Santa. Isn't she beautiful?!?
The girls and Santa. See any sibling resemblance?
Candy overflowing out of Jackson's pocket.
My mom and her mom.
"Cheesey" kids!
The kids, plus a few adults, with Santa.
After the festivities, we took the kids over to Johnny's parents for an attempted photo shoot in their Christmas outfits. It didn't go so well, but here are a few of the better shots...
Granddaddy and Jackson looking sharp in their Chaps shirts! 
Helping Mommy...
Sometimes you need a stool to be able to reach. Doesn't she look so old in this picture??
Silly camera face!
And sometimes you don't get your way when you're helping, and a tantrum is necessary...
We also decorated pinecones to give as gifts to family and friends. 
Jackson had more fun throwing the balls around the kitchen than actually using them to decorate. Oh well!
Finally, we also made a gingerbread house! It was my first time making one too! I cheated and got the one with the panels already made, so all we had to do was put it together and then decorate it. We didn't get any pictures of the decorating process, but here's the finished product. The kids also enjoyed snacking on the candy as we went along! 
Jackson swinging at the pinata.
Cousins!
Diana and her family just welcomed Bunte into their family from Ethiopia a few weeks ago! What fun it was to meet this special little guy. The kids were super excited to meet their new cousin too! 
Kathryn was especially excited to have a cousin her age now! You can tell he's already used to cheesing for the camera!
Kathryn and her cousin Joey.
My aunt and uncle, Mark and Ann!
The kids waiting for the pinata to break...
Kathryn taking a turn.
My brother Nick taking his turn.
Finally, it broke! The kids all gathering candy. Look at Bunte!! So cute!!!
Look closely in this picture. Bunte is putting candy into his pockets, but already has a piece sticking out of his mouth. Classic...!
Jackson stuffed his pockets so full!
Johnny and my dad chatting. Cute picture! 
Bunte with some of his stash.
Santa came! 
Bunte wouldn't sit on Santa's lap until Kathryn sat with him. So cute! (I think Kathryn had a piece of candy in her mouth in this picture...)
At one point in the evening, I looked over and Kathryn was over where the band was. Apparently she was getting a lesson on the dulcimer. 
After the visit with Santa, Jackson ran back over to where the candy was and enjoyed being the only one. He sat there for several minutes just putting as much as he could into his pockets!
The band.
My Grandma and Santa. Isn't she beautiful?!?
The girls and Santa. See any sibling resemblance? 
Candy overflowing out of Jackson's pocket. 
My mom and her mom.
