Stewart Family Christmas Party

I think the best part about family Christmas parties is watching all the kids play together. Ryann loves and adores all her cousins and they are all so sweet to her.

While waiting for dinner, all the kids were playing on the sleigh in the room.

Rachael was the "unicorn" driving the sleigh.

Maci being the "unicorn"

Silly boys, Kayler and Gavin, wearing Christmas trees as hats

Everett playing under the sleigh

It wouldn't be a complete Christmas without...

a screaming picture with Santa. All the other kids were thrilled that Santa came to the party. Ryann really wanted the candy Santa was handing out, but not the picture.

Grandpa Stewart with almost all his great grandkids
Back: Grandpa Stewart
Back Row: Gavin, Maci, Ryann, Alli, Hallie, Sophie
Bottom Row: Kayler, Porter, Santa, Rachael, Everett

Playing "Reindeer Games"

I don't remember what this game was but it was so cute to watch Ryann. All the kids were sitting in a circle and Ryann was sitting a little ways out of the circle. She slowly started to scoot closer to the other kids, and of course got right in the middle when she saw...

the box of candy!

Grandma and Grandpa Stewart handing out all the presents to the great grandkids.

Ryann got a LaLa Loopsie doll. She loved it! She was so mad when Clint took it from her just to get it out of the box.
It was another good family Christmas party.

After the Wedding

My camera died near the end of family pictures at the Temple, so I didn't get any pictures at the luncheon. Luckily I was able to get it charged enough to capture this moment after all the wedding festivities...

Some how the idea came up to jump in the pool and Jared and Jason did.

Justin and Lindsey watching their crazy dad and crazy uncle.

Clint added to the fun by spraying them with the hose.

Inside, dry, and warm Jason was sweet and climbed up and down the stairs with Ryann.

Ryann and her uncle Jason

Nathan and Candice's Wedding

While waiting for Nathan and Candice to come out of the temple, I took lots of pictures.

Ryann (not tolerating her adorable headband) with her Great Grandma and Grandpa Hamilton

Ryann with her Great Grandma Bird (and Minnie of course)

Melissa and I got Lindsey and Ryann matching dresses. They were so cute!!! Justin looked handsome in his blue shirt and tie. This picture and the next are the best pictures we could get of the three cousins together.

Lindsey and Justin were jumping around Ryann. Ryann loved it and was trying to jump too.

Lindsey

Justin

Ryann admiring the flowers

Grandpa Hamilton, Kyle, and Grandma Hamilton

Ryann and Jared

Close family friends from Dallas, Brother and Sister Fruhling.

Ryann and Clint

Ryann loved getting a ride on Great Grandma Bird's walker

Tickle Time!

Clint and Justin

So CUTE! Ryann holding her Minnie like a baby. My Grandma Hamilton commented on how feminine Ryann is, and since then I have noticed that she really is. She is all girl!

Candice and Nathan at the Houston Temple doors
Candice's Parents
Candice's mom was so incredibly happy, I had to try to capture her happiness in a picture.
I guess they approve of Nathan:)

Grandma Bird, Grandma and Grandpa Hamilton, Nathan and Candice

Ryann and Justin stayed entertained during pictures by throwing leaves into the fountain

Grandma Bird
Waiting on the steps

Kyle, Nathan, Nicole, Jared, Kyle
Dad and Mom

Me and my brothers

Christmas in Texas

I love that weddings bring the family all together. It was so wonderful to see my Grandma Bird and my Grandma and Grandpa Hamilton, and for Ryann to get to meet them and them to meet Ryann. Kyle was also able to be on leave from the Navy for the wedding. It was so wonderful to have so much family around.
Since we were all together, we celebrated Christmas Friday night. We had dinner altogether and after...

Ryann washed the dog. Maverick was quite patient with Ryann and she loved having him around.

Then there was wrestling with Uncle Nathan while we all gathered around to read the Christmas story.

Ryann getting a ride on the chair from her great Grandma Hamilton.Ryann walked around with a hand towel on her head...
and Lindsey could not stop giggling at her, which of course got Nathan laughing and the laughter spread.

Ryann, of course, loved the attention and laughter.

Grandpa and Grandma Hamilton
I made picture scrapbooks for the grandmas and grandpas this year. It was so nice to be able to hand deliver some of the presents.

Grandma Bird

Behind that box is Justin, excited to be opening his present

We got him a stick horse that makes galloping and horse noises, and of course a cowboy hat.

Lindsey loved her Cabbage Patch doll from us.We got Ryann and Lindsey matching dolls.

Lindsey was constantly hugging her doll, and Ryann was more interested in taking off her shoes.

Lindsey helped Ryann open her presents. Ryann didn't care, she was much more excited about what was inside the paper.She loved her bath time tea set from Lindsey and Justin. It is her favorite thing to play with in the tub.

This present got the best reaction, I wish I had recorded it...It was a Minnie Mouse with snap on clothes. When Ryann saw what was in the package she gasp and yelled "Ninnie!" (Minnie). I was so cute!
Last year Ryann was thankful for the paper her presents came wrapped in. This year she liked what was inside the paper.
It was fun to be able to spend Christmas with my family.