Christmas Traditions

My kids think that the day after Thanksgiving is the perfect time to haul out the tree and all the Christmas Decorations.  I, for one, would like to wait a little longer, but oh well.  They persuaded me.  We set up the Christmas tree and put out most of the decorations.

I do admit that it is fun to watch them even though they are getting older.

 

 Another tradition the kids look forward to every year is putting their handprints on our Christmas tree skirt.  I made the tree skirt in 2001 and each year the kids put their handprints on it with the year, their names and ages. 

They love looking back and seeing their tiny hands.

I just can't believe how fast time has gone. 

The tree skirt is filling up fast!



Thanksgiving Whitaker Style

This year we celebrated Thanksgiving with Aaron's family.  His older brother Quin and wife Jodie were in charge. 

They decided to have the dinner at a church close to their house so that we would have plenty of room.

Here are some photos of the occasion.

 

Some of the Whitaker cousins enjoying Thanksgiving dinner:  Caitlyn, Enoch, Abbie and Samuel.

Pyper had a fun time playing in the gym

Colin - of course- was the center of attention, being the youngest grandchild.

hmmm, are these two girls related?  Could they possibly share some DNA?? You be the judge
(Kiera with cousin Megan)

Everyone celebrating together:  Front row:  ME, Kiera, Aaron with Enoch, Sam, Abbie, Josie, Lauren, Pyper, Caitlyn, Jamie, Matt with Colin, Nathan and Chris.
Back row:  Jodie, Quin, Shenna, Ryan, Dallen, Leah, Megan and Britton.
Absent:  Mom Whitaker and Jim (they had already left for home), Braden - on a mission in Guatemala, Suzanne and husband Christopher - didn't make the trip from Oregon this year, and Madisen who spent Thanksgiving with her boyfriend.