And... it's CHRISTMAS!

Christmas Eve looked a little different this year as we all squeezed into Mom and Dad's little suite but it was cozy and delightful.

Elsie brought along the advent candle centrepiece and there were lots of goodies to be enjoyed.

Opa loved visiting with the grandkids and they each took some time to sit with him and engage in a setting that is easier for him to understand them.

It was a quiet evening that ended with some ukulele playing and we left with happy hearts.

Christmas morning was sweet.
I've got the kids all staying at my place which is a first, I believe.

Seems I get more time with them now that they've moved away!

Little Bluebird was enjoying watching Nicole eat her breakfast.

We headed over to the Gagnon's for their traditional Christmas brunch and Daniel and Nicole popped in before driving back to Vancouver to have some time with her family.

Here is Daniel and his lifelong best friend Ryan enjoying some goodies together.

I don't know how Sue pulls it off every year, but I'm sure glad she does!

Sometimes I'm able to join in and it's amazing to see the clan getting bigger and the once small kids are now adults with spouses and even a couple of grandkids are part of the mix.

Such a happy, noisy, bustling reunion...

Crowded with life and love.

Old memories and new colliding. 

Because I was only in charge of half of our Christmas supper at home I was able to come home and lay down for awhile before the next celebration began at our house.

There was a delicious spread once again and a new assortment of loved ones laughing and visiting around the extended table.

More music and merry making ensued and the house was filled with happy hearts and gratefulness.

Because He came we celebrate.

Jesus, the centre of it all.

The author of life and love and family and home.