Wednesday, January 7, 2009

A California Christmas!

DeGroot Family Christmas Party

We Kicked off California Christmas with our Annual DeGroot Family Christmas Party. We started the night off with the usual kisses and hugs to all those we haven't seen in a while. The Shannon's had a fantastic feast immediately to follow everyone's arrival. After diner, we played the White Elephant Game. You know the one where you pick a number and get to steal each others presents? We chit - chatted some more and had some cheesecake for dessert. It was so much fun and thanks again Heidi and Craig for hosting!



The party favors!



And yes, the night wouldn't be complete without Reese eating their Ginger Bread House (mouth first).



Cookies With The Cousins!

Cousin Jonah



Kaden decorating his cookies



Reese and Kelsey

Forget about the cookies... Kaden just wanted frosting



Every year Brandaan's mom has all of the kids over to her house and decorates cookies. The kids had an amazing time and were all covered in frosting.


Christmas Eve!

Turkey Dinner

Brandaan made the turkey and it was the most juicy turkey I've ever had. Way to go!

The kids table...


Christmas Eve P.J.'s from Gramma and Pappa DeGroot


The Nativity Story



Jonah was Joseph and Kaden was a wise man

Every Christmas Eve the kids dress up to act out the Nativity Story. Pieter reads the story and all the kids stand there and look precious. I think next year they're old enough we can actually give them lines. It's so much fun and rewarding to remember the true meaning of Christmas.


Getting Ready for Santa
The cookies...
Writing thank you cards...

Kaden and Jonah in their Christmas PJ'S guarding the cookies...

Uncle David and Kaden dancing around in circles...

Brandaan got these Santa bags last year with the kids names on them



Reese wanting to make sure the egg nog is just right..
and Kaden ready to snatch it out of her hands.


Christmas Day



What?  A blackberry!  For me?



Do you love the Santa footprints on the floor? 
Kaden got totally roasted!



Oh...Pieter!
















1 comment:

Julie said...

Cute picts! That one of my dad is creepy, though! Love the one of Kaden & David dancing! I'm glad to see one of Reese with her mermaid tail too!