Jackson Family Christmas- 2016

Since way before I joined the family, it has always been a tradition to have the Jackson Family Christmas on Christmas Eve. For many years- it was at Nana and Papa's house. And truth be told- we all wish it still was. But Nana is a little hesitant to tackle a large family gathering these days, and we all respect that. Occasionally we still get together over there, but not nearly as often. So this year, just like last year, we opted to gather at Mike and Becky's house.

The weather was perfect to allow the kiddos to run and play outside, and the adults split their time inside and outside. 

The menu changes from year to year, and this year we opted for snack type foods. It was also the first year for Kathy to join in on the fun! As well as Mrs. Jackie. I sure hope we didn't scare them off....a Jackson family gathering can get a little....ummmm....LOUD! ha! (no worries- I think we are stuck with them! Or they are stuck with us!... whichever.)

It's just not Christmas until I take a selfie with Santa!!

I sure do love my Daddy.

Everyone ate till they could eat no mo! Then it was present time!!! We always let the kids go first so that we can get them OUT of the way for the adult fun.

These two made a HAUL- as always. Spoiled LOVED little girls!

This was her favorite gift! Way to go Aunt Jana!!

As soon as all the chaos was finished and cleaned up from the kiddos, it was time for the adults to get down and dirty! Chinese Christmas time!!

But first we selfie....

I am his favorite daughter in law- it's a fact! 

Josh went above and beyond with his gift this year. He got candy and lottery tickets and wrapped them inside of saran wrap! LOTS of saran wrap! And I MAY have told Dad to get Josh's gift because it was a really good one! hahaha!!!! Yep- I set him up!

2 hours later...All done! haha!

We all laughed and squealed while we fought over presents and stole from each other. Memories we will all treasure forever.

As soon as the last present had been opened, you could see all the guys getting antsy... And they were watching Papa like a hawk! He always starts stirring and getting ready for his big knife handout right after presents, and our guys are always on their toes to be the first in line!

As soon as he told them to follow him outside, there was almost a traffic jam! I hadn't seen these guys move this fast...well.....since LAST Christmas!

He also told them to not look until he had them all out.... you can see from the above picture how well they mind...

And then it was GO time! And these boys were on those knives like white on rice. But they don't just grab one and run off... oh no. They study each one like it will be the only knife they ever own. They handle them all, pass them around, and guard some with their life. And eventually, when the last guy has left the table.... they each have a new Papa knife. That goes straight into a display box or on a shelf to be looked at. And they think girls don't make any sense...... 

This year the guys also had a gift for Papa. He mentioned at our house at Thanksgiving that he wanted a fire pit for his back yard. Papa NEVER mentions wanting something. SO they all chipped in and got him one! 

Some of the finest men you'll ever meet right here.

Nana, Kathy, and Mrs. Jackie were innocent bystanders for this whole "guys ritual" thing, as were the rest of us girls!

Before we left for the evening, Brenna sang for us. I SO wished I had recorded it. But she sang "Mary Did You Know". And I'm not sure there was a dry eye in the room.  I was so proud of my baby girl. She decided about a week before that she wanted to sing that song for everyone on Christmas, and she did just that! Marched herself into the room, sat down, and sang for almost 30 people! With no hesitation. I love this girl!!!!

We also managed to get some pictures of the kiddos with their great grandparents!

Well- Hanna is actually a grandchild and not a great grand child... haha!

Cutest group of kiddos I ever did see!

It was another successful Christmas. Fun was had by all, everyone ate too much food, we all laughed till we hurt, and the most important part...we made memories. Memories that no one can take from us. That is the best.