Christmas
Christmas was a good time with family this year. On Christmas Day we drove across town to Keith’s parents’ house. They hosted a large gathering with 21 people. Gift opening time was a flurry of paper, ribbons, squeals, ribbons, and thank yous. I didn’t quite get a picture of everyone there, but here are a few.
Peggy and Calder are waiting for present time.
Brian, Christian, and Chase chill out on the couch.
Everyone is gathered around. Included in this picture: Peggy, Calder, Ralph, Mason, Lori, Arlene, Laura, Rick, Marna, Sierra, Janice, and Grant.
The next day we were planning to drive to Harrisburg, Illinois to visit my grandma, along with my parents and brother, who were already there. However, Grandma got sick Christmas night and didn’t want to give us her germs. We are sorry to have missed seeing her at Christmas this year.
Mom, Dad, and Dave packed up and drove to our house. That afternoon, Lydia had a large stack of presents to open.
Lydia and her grandpa are posing with Lydia’s gifts.
An important part of the McKinstry Christmas tradition is stockings. Each person has a stocking, and in the evening, each person takes a turn playing Santa Claus, putting stocking stuffers in each one. In the morning everyone opens their stockings. Even though we have a chimney, we hung our stockings on kitchen chairs.
The stockings were hung by the table with care.
Lydia eagerly anticipates opening her stocking.
Lydia with Dave, Shirley, and Wayne.
And to finish the post, here are a few more Lydia pictures for your viewing pleasure.
Merry Christmas!
Mom says:
We enjoyed our visit with all of you. Thank you for letting share the smiles and hugs.
Tammy says:
Looks like a very crowded house - glad you had a good time!
Lisa says:
Too cute~ Lydia sure is growing…
Keith says:
Lydia was as charming as usual, and she definitely was the center of attention for the entire visit!