Christmas Reunion

We had a different kind of McClellan reunion this year. For one, it wasn't camping and two, instead of a summer reunion it was during the Christmas holiday. My parents were able to rent a large house up by Bear Lake. It was huge and had enough beds for all the adults. It was a pretty cool house, with a play room, a theatre room, and large meeting areas. We drove up on Friday the 22nd before Christmas. I wish I had gotten a picture of the lake on the way, but I captured a photo on the way home. The water was such a beautiful color that this photo doesn't even capture. We had a nice drive with beautiful weather. Everyone was able to make it safe and sound. It actually didn't start snowing until that evening after most everyone had made it. :) We spent that afternoon meeting up with everyone and checking out the house.

The next day we woke up to a winter wonderland! We used the hill into the parking lot to go sledding down. It was still coming down but it was light enough to still have some fun. I think the kids had a blast. :) And then when it got more windy and heavier we all went inside to warm up. We played games and talked and relaxed. That afternoon, we attempted to make graham cracker houses. I think it was a little chaotic with so many little ones needing help and not being as organized as we could but I think the kids still enjoyed the candy. :)

On Sunday, we all made it to either the 9am or 11am sacrament meetings and tried to get pictures in-between. Trying to get over 50 people together in one small area is no easy task. We had some grumpy kids but we got a photo. Before we left the house we attempted a few smaller group photos of just the kids. We got a few family photos ourselves real quick that afternoon as well. And of course we attempted to get the three babies together for a photo a couple times.

That night being Christmas Eve we attempted our childhood tradition of acting out the Nativity and singing correlating Christmas songs when they come up throughout the story. Caleb was supposed to sleep and play the part of baby Jesus, but I guess he didn't want to. Like the rest of our kids, he preferred to sit with mommy and daddy and just watch. It was still a pretty special time that was hopefully memorable. :)

Later we opened our Christmas pajamas and got them on and after putting kids to bed, all the adults played their christmas elf part and we laid out all our stockings on the couch. It was kind of a cool view to see so many laid out. :)

The next day, being Christmas morning, was of course a little chaotic again. Once all the kids were awake, we all gathered to open stockings. Our kids all got one small toy gift and some candy. We played games and enjoyed each other's company and opened our sibling gifts. And then the next day cleaned up and headed home. It was such a memorable weekend that I think we all really enjoyed. :)