Party On

As I said before we celebrated Christmas all month long. We attended annual family parties for both the Story's and the Clayton's.

At the Story Family Christmas Party we did the usual nativity and gift exchange. Sequoia wanted nothing to do with the nativity situation and wasn't all that interested in the gift exchange either. She did however, love having an open gym just to run around in. All she wanted to do was push her unopened present all around the floor. We literally had to force her to open it. She was glad we did, it was a darling My Little Pony.

Needless to say she didn't want to sit still for any pictures, and I'm totally bummed none of the ones of her and her cousin in their matching Christmas jammies turned out. We did manage a couple with grandma and grandpa though.

I think this Christmas party was extra special because Dillon's dad was able to make it. He had a pretty serious heart attack just days before and we're so grateful he is feeling better.

Next up was the Clayton Christmas bash. I already posted the horrific picture of Santa's visit but luckily the rest of the party was enjoyable. Sequoia loved playing with my cousins and they love taking care of her. She was so cute running around like a big kid.

This party brought the always comical white elephant exchange. I think the mass age difference in the Clayton family adds to the fun. By far the best present was a homemade, ankle length nightgown brought by the newlyweds. It was a wedding present and we thankfully didn't end up with it. We did however end up with this gigantic teddy bear. My grandparents have had it at their house for awhile now and it's one of Sequoia's favorite things to play with when we visit so it was actually not a bad prize. Even more sweet grandpa was playing with it with her.

Here's the best family pic we got-- bear and all.

Merry Christmas!