And a wonderful time was had by all

How does one narrow a week's intense activity into one post? I'd say it's near impossible but here are a few pictures giving you all a taste of the fun and excitement of a house full of family.
First our daughter, her husband and family arrive from Saskatchewan. It's been 5 months since we've been together so these few days before Christmas are very precious.

Then there's the excitement of a birthday girl indulging in her beloved Chinese dishes at her favourite restaurant! Chopsticks are a novelty for K. and E. but quickly mastered!

The next day was spent preparing for the feast - with help from the Grandboys who are getting very proficient in the kitchen.

Then it was Christmas Eve, our son and his wife and children arrived from Seattle and the excitement mounted as the cousins walked in the door.

The house exploded with noise (I've heard it said that the definition of a boy is: noise with dirt on it!) It's a happy noise and it's accompanied by lots of activity from the smallest to the oldest!

Then it's Christmas Eve and the anticipation mounts to a fevered pitch!

The children get to open one present as the adults vote to determine who gets each "white elephant" gift. I got a HUGE lollipop which made me instantly popular with the children. (Aunt A. smashed it the next day to the delight of the kids and distributed the bits and pieces. Sadly (?) most was delegated to the "round file")
It was fun to see my sister and BIL's family finding lots in common with our children. They've not all been together very often and this was a great time of connecting for them all.

Then it was Christmas morning - stockings were opend early while we waited for Uncle R and Aunt A to arrive and they had fun with their little gifts.
En Guard! No one may pass without the magic word!

Princess E checks to see how her long pink gloves, look with her tiara and butterfly wings.

Grandboy E and his mom read the Christmas story with able help from the two kindergarten aged boys. Papa prayed and thanked God for His wonderful Gift and then we were touched to the point of tears when the children asked if they could also pray. There's nothing like hearing your precious grandchildren spontaneously offer sincere praise and thankfulness to their Heavenly Father for the gift of Jesus.

Then it was time for presents! Grandboy N was delighted with his first big Lego set.

E and K were equally delighted with their Power Miner Lego sets - "Just the one I wanted! Thank You Nana and Papa!

And then Uncle R opened his gift and the smiles were just as big from this overgrown Lego- loving boy. We thought that as he directs the sales of our filtration equipment to the Wind industry, this particular set was somewhat appropriate!

Then it was time for dinner - everyone pitched in setting the table, pouring water and putting out the goodies. It may not be the best picture but I loved watching our oldest boy carve the turkey and our potato mashing expert SIL take over the spuds.

After dinner it was play time in the shop and outside. The boys - big and little raced around on the bikes Papa and Uncle D found at Bibles for Missions - oh and uncle D did the track deftly maneuvering a handy dandy pallet jack.

The races got pretty exciting!

Baby B demonstated his 2 week old walking abilities by pushing his new red wagon up and down the driveway from the shop to the house and back again - twice!

Papa lends a touque to cover B's ears.

The day ended with games and putting together Lego.

Boxing day found us sharing brunch with Harv's brother and his family, playing soccer outside with the kids and visiting in front of the fire.

All in all a great time was had by everyone.

Now the house is quiet again - the tree will have to come down today and the excitement is over until we all gather together again.

How blessed we are to have family - I pray that everyone of you does all you can to keep family ties tight. It sometimes takes forgiveness and hard work but it is worth it.

Our family relationships are not perfect. There have been tense times among us but we are so grateful that each one makes the effort to be at peace with each other.

Wishing you all a happy 2010.