Our favorite gathering over Shawn's parents house happens the weekend before Christmas. Audrey and I combine some of our favorite friends, family, and neighbors and have a great time of food, and fellowship, and GAMES, and PRIZES!!!
This year, I had a lot of fun with planning the games. Through the evening, prizes were given in the form of envelopes containing Monopoly money. I'll explain more about that at the end. :-)
After a warm up "Christmas Trivia," we gave prizes to the best - behind the back - no peaking - torn Christmas Tree. Not as easy as it would seem!
In honor of my dear one handed husband, we paired off and wrapped a Christmas gift using only ONE HAND each!
Ever hear of taping your mouth shut...
Shawn & Josh should have had this game, but they turned the paper the wrong way, and didn't cover the bottom :-(
Julie and John were the winners for the "fastest wrapped!"
There was also a prize for the "neatest wrapped." Ashley had the hardest time using only one hand!
The last game, I called for 2 volunteers. Thank you John for your willingness. Thank you Brother, for your "please don't ask me - pretend sleeping on wife's shoulder" unwillingness! (YOU KNOW ME TOO WELL!) Anyway, we split the group into two teams, and with decorating bag in hand, sent them off do decorate their "Human Christmas Trees!"
It surprised me how much SOME got into this...
Oooohhhh the CREATIVITY!
The LAUGHS!!!
Presentation time was almost too much to take! For those who remember... I was having flashbacks of
Tweedle DEE and
Tweedle DUMB!!!
The final judging...
Did I mention they came complete with LIGHTS!!! Ha Ha Ha Ha!!!!! (Tears!)
OK, remember the Monopoly Money? Well after the envelopes were opened, the prizes came out and were "auctioned" off to the highest bidder.
The auctioneer? He did a fantastic job!
After the party, I gave the "Human Christmas Tree" lights to the kids, for their rooms. We're amazed every time we walk past
Dylan's room...
"Merry Christmas to ALL, and to ALL, a Good Night!"
We go to my parents Christmas morning for breakfast. This is Dad sporting his new PJ's that look like worn jeans. Cool!
I made some soup-in-a-jar and cookie-in-a-jar gifts this year. I hear they're pretty good.
"Big" Grandmom opening her gift. She's so cute!
Christmas dinner at home... terrible picture, but the only one to remember all that good food! 
Me with my uncle, Jimmy.
Cousin Taryn, and Aunt Sue.
Now, back to Christmas morning, Ashley opening gifts. Notice the utter DARKNESS out the windows. I woke up at 4:00 a.m., and couldn't go back to sleep. Ended up setting the gifts, making coffee, lighting candles, music etc. 
Shawn opening gifts, Dylan hoping its for the both of them! :0)
Dylan and his Lego's. 
OK, back to my parents for breakfast... Dylan loved his FOX racing gloves and shirt.
"Momma" Julie opening gifts.
Shawn's parents came over before the rest of the family. Jack really liked the Ripley's Believe it or Not book.
My favorite cousin, Dani, and her husband Mike.
Ashley and Pop Pop.
Chris and Taryn's, baby Calvin doing the Raven's cheer!!! So adorable!
The day ended with some time with our Best Friends, the Smiths. We exchanged gifts and "tried" to play a game (while sleepwalking)! We love you guys!
Puppies, kids and parents alike, spent some cuddle time and went to bed!
Oh, yeah, this was the puppies first Christmas. This is Cody, with his toys, taking a nap in SHELBY's bed. Too funny! 
