After we finished partying for Carly's birthday, we didn't stop the party train there. Nope...the Leonards allowed us and the Scheers to stay and party some more--holiday style! We figured that since we were almost all there anyway, it would be a good time to let the kids do their gift exchange, especially since we were going to be out of town for the holidays.
Mr. Andrew and GT arrived just after Carly's guests left, we let he kids play while the Big Boys went and picked up Five Guys for dinner. Us grown ups had fun chatting while the kids played.
After dinner, it was time for the gift exchange. A few years ago we decided we would let the kids draw names rather than buy gifts for everyone. They LOVE this. They always keep whose name they drew a secret until the exchange and it makes it even more fun when they open their present.
A few group shots were in order to start things off while the camera settings were getting figured out...
Almost a great picture....everyone was looking in the same general direction. Only Carly was on the verge of blinking and Landry was trying to do her peace sign (or bunny ears whatever the case may be) that the big kids are always doing in pictures.
This one would be perfect...if only Landry had been looking at the camera. One of these days we will get all 6 of them to look and smile at the same time and in the same direction!
The kids always open presents in order from youngest to oldest. We happen to have the youngest and the oldest in the group so the Bryce girls started and ended the gift opening.
Landry
Jack (Grayson's and Anna's brother)
Carly
Anna
Macy
GT
and last but not least, Ashton
These six kiddos have such a great friendship and bond. We are so lucky to have them in our lives and we love watching the relationships they have grow as they grow. We are all about traditions in this house and lord knows we have had a Non-Traditional Christmas this year so it was nice to keep this tradition especially since it is one that the girls truly enjoy....they love any chance they can hang out together with their peeps and as they get older it is more challenging to find the time when every one's schedules mesh.
3 comments:
love, love, love, LOVE this holiday tradition! well...almost as much as i love those kids! so glad we always make time to squeeze it in! :)
Okay, Moms---Erin, Jodi and Gina---no raspberries coming my way....but when I saw the group picture I thought how marvelous it will be to have these pictures through the years and how much they will all cherish them...and I saw teenagers with a few graduation caps already in place. Funny how the mind can do that. :) Lucky bunch of kids who have parents who make the love of the friendships they share a true priority.
I'm with Mamo - what a great tradition they will look back on! I just love seeing these posts, too darn fun!
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