Christmas with The Kelson Family

One of my all time favorite activities at Christmas time is getting together with my Mom's side of the family - The Kelsons.  My Mom is one of 4 kids and they all have kids, so as you can imagine, it's a pretty raucous group gathering.  I just enjoy getting together with everyone and hanging out.  We don't do a bunch of gifts or anything, we do a potluck meal, and just have fun.  The night normally ends with a group singing/jam session (we used to actually walk the neighborhood and carol).  Another favorite moment of the night is normally the white elephant game for the adults.  Sorry lil cousins, but you have to be 18 to play! 

Cousin Kyle with Kelson (this is my first cousin...see the resemblance between the Kelsons and my kids?!?)

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 My cousin Carey (who finally moved to TX from Cali) jamming out

 Uncle Kev - who is typically the maestro of the evening

 KK and her lil Shelby girl

 Erica and I

 Austin thought playing in the high chair was awesome-sauce

 cookies before dinner?  why not

 This year, My Uncle Karl dressed up as Santa for the "lil cousins".  It was so great!  The kids LOVED it! 

 Madie literally RAN and JUMPED in Santa's arms.  It was so cute - even better is that her shirt said "Shhh...I'm hunting Santa"

 Everyone got a turn to sit on Santa's lap and get a present.

 Even some of the "bigger" of the lil cousins had a turn...come on Kyle- you aren't too old for Santa!

 Ann Marie just finished her first semester in college...unfortunately she goes to A&M. We try not to hold it against her...

 All the "lil cousins"

 Santa and Mrs. Claus

 Now it's the adults turn to play!  Seriously the best.  We always end up laughing so much!  It's my fav...

Cousin Carey got the Franzia!  Watch out...

 Aunt Sherry had her eyes on The Franzia and stole it...

 Next Carey got some "pearls"

 Austin helping Uncle Karl

 The "pearls" got stolen and next he opened The Jack...which of course got stolen

 Austin excited to drum on the Cast Iron Pot...

 That my Mom stole

 The girl cousins...not sure if you noticed how many kids were in the "lil cousins" picture...but...this is it for the girls.  I was actually the only girl in the family until Ann Marie was born when I was in 7th grade.