Van Wyk 2012 Christmas

We spent Saturday, the 22nd, with my family.  We arrived just after lunch and took the obligatory family photo.  We've been doing this for years and it is a nice family keepsake.  

Seth & I, Jim & Amber in the back.

Emmet (age 7), Ephraim (9), Grandpa & Eliza (5), Eden (5) & Grandma, Garret (8) & Alyssa (6)

Then it was present time!

Eliza getting a girl LEGO set.

And one for Eden.

LEGOs and a book for Ephraim!

Oh, and LEGOS for Emmet.  I'm sensing a common likeness for LEGOs.

The three girls opening up a gift that Grandma crocheted for their dolls.  They got two shawls and two hats!

I made a doll apron and sundress/swimsuit coverup for Alyssa's doll.

Puzzles from Aunt Amber for the girls.

More LEGOs for  Emmet.

We got Garret an Erector Set.  Seth took a trip down memory lane while helping him work on that later in the afternoon.

Surprise!  More LEGOs.

A Fancy Nancy Game for Eden.

I made a cheerleader outfit for Alyssa's doll.

Everyone was eager to get out their LEGOs and build.

The weather was perfect for some sledding.  And because their farm got several inches of the white stuff, we packed the sleds and snowpants and headed for the embankment!

Look out!  Here comes Emmet!

It didn't take Ephraim long to recall his sledding skills!

Eden had a great time!

Eliza was like a bullet going down.  She was the most aerodynamic of all.

Grandpa had a line of children waiting for a push down the bank.  

In case you can't tell the stocking-hatted kids apart, it's Eliza, Alyssa, Garret, Eden, Ephraim and Emmet.  They're on a drift that is as high fas the fence posts.

Back inside, the girls helped get the supper ready.

We had a delicious supper of soups and salads and bread.  And I think we had at least three desserts to choose from.  

After supper, it was stocking time.

Emmet's sour look is because he thinks his stocking smells like medicine.  Ha!  It was just some candy!

Eden waiting to open her stocking and a book that was too big to fit.

Eliza with her book and stocking.

The children got books, dot-to-dots, candy and a few other things.

It was a blessed day with family.  

We all got along well and enjoyed ourselves.  

Everyone was healthy.

Lots of memories.  

Many nice presents.  

A table full of yummy food.

So much to be thankful for.