Rook

Just a friendly game of Rook with Papa and Granny.

The referees

Nolan: "Take one of me, Mommy! Take one of me!"

Thus these goofy selfies.

Starr Family Christmas

We had Anthony's family get-together this year at Brian and Cora's.  We had a fabulous dinner, and did a 'white elephant' gift exchange.  The kids loved playing with their cousins, and the adults had a good time visiting.

The girls playing in Ashley's 'house'.  The crawl space beneath the stairs has become her play house.  It's super cute. Even the boys had to check it out!

Best friends. The girls love playing together.

The kids' gift exchange

Most of the rest of the pictures turned out too dark to post, but we did have a great time!

Christmas Day 2013

On Christmas Day, we went to Jeremy and Donna's house for dinner.  It was great to spend time with everyone and just be together.  I had to work, so we had to leave early, but we still had a great time.... and ate WAY too much food!

Having fun with cousins

James' 1st Christmas

Dad, relaxing with his coffee.

Justin and Sonya's 1st Christmas together.

My momma and me

How I love getting together with my whole family.  It's amazing to think that just 10 years ago, Anthony and I were engaged, no one else was married, and we all just gathered in my parents' front room.  How a few short years has changed things!

I love seeing how happy my parents are when the whole family is together.... all 20 of us!!!

Christmas Eve 2013

We open our gifts with the kids on Christmas Eve.

After dinner, the kids got in their jammies, we all gathered around, and Daddy read us the Christmas Story from the Bible.

Then it's time for presents!!!

...and we have to have our annual picture in front of the tree!

Papa and Granny came over for a while and opened their stockings.

Natalie has already found a toy of Sissy's that she wants to play with!

Natalie loves her new Hello Kitty nightie!

I have always enjoyed Christmas, but it's even more fun with kids.  I love the excitement and anticipation.... and, of course, everyone gets to stay up late and play with their new toys!