Have yourself a Merry {big} Christmas!

¹⁰But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ^" the Lord. ¹²This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

¹³Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
¹⁴"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

Luke 2

We have had such a fun time together as a family this Christmas celebrating Jesus' birth. It has been a JOY to be with our family and to play with baby Charlie, Aunt Katie, Uncle Brett, Uncle Judah, and Uncle Christopher (and all of our cousins, grandparents, and family, too). As our pastor reminded us on Sunday, in terms of the Church calendar, we are just now leaving "advent" and beginning "Christmastime!" Our celebration continues this coming weekend with Nonna, Grandpa, and Aunt Courtney . . . and we cannot wait!

We say that we have had a merry BIG christmas because we have a HUGE ole family with whom we are very merry, and we love it . . . so far we've celebrated with Richmond family ranging in age from 81 years old to 6 weeks old: 3 great grandparents, 2 grandparents, 2 great great aunts/uncles, 13 great aunts/uncles, 4 aunts and uncles, 16 of mommy's cousins, 1 baby cousin, 1 best friend from growing up; and, of course, the 4 of us!

Christmas Morning
We woke up on Christmas morning and snuggled the babes before heading downstairs for some present-opening fun!
We quickly learned that Hudson and William love tissue paper, so we used gift bags full of paper to give them their gifts! It was a huge hit!William and Hudson waiting for the fun to begin!My boys on Christmas morning!We started the morning off with Hudson and William giving Daddy their gifts. The babies each gave Daddy a book . . . the books were big hits, all around!We gave the boys cloth cut-out letters from their names for Christmas (an idea we "borrowed" from my good friend, Lacy!)Hudson and William joyfully "helped" Hatch open his gifts!William surveying the damage from the passenger side window (the car was a bday gift from that sweet Nonna and Grandpa!)And, the damage . . .
{shhh . . . this is what my dining room floor looked like when I went to bed on Christmas Eve! Those elves need to be better about cleaning up after themselves!}
After celebrating with our little family, we headed on for Christmas at Sugie and Bumpa's House!

My Nana is famous for her hand-knit stockings. Here is our ever-growing line-up on Sugie's mantle. I love it!
At Sugie and B's house, we were greeted by a very cute, but tired, reindeer-fawn.
The fun started . . . and it didn't stop!If you need William, he'll be playing with Judah's Wii sporting equipment!I'm pretty sure that this was my favorite little package of all!Auntie Katie with a very cute monogrammed umbrella! {wink, wink!}Shortly thereafter, my mom's family arrived. Here is our crew with Great Granddaddy!All of the grandchildren and great grandchildren with Great Granddaddy!

(Back row: Hatch with Hudson, Brett, Mary Beth with Shawn Thomas, Adam with Timmy (who is serving our country in South Korea--WE MISS YOU!, Christopher; Front row: William and me, Sarah, Katie, Granddaddy with Charlie, Kelly, Judah, Christy, Marshall with Jack; Floor: Carrie (the only brave one in our group!)I had to take a picture of those sweet chubby legs {this is for you, Ann Long!}We were especially grateful to have Mr. Incredible join us to celebrate Jesus' Birth!I like to call this picture "Me and 'mini me'"Hudson showing Uncle Christopher some of his good leg tricks {check out that chub!}A disheveled William with Bumpa's awesome camo remote!William and Unkie Brett!Hud and Unkie Christopher!And, you may be wondering if I was there . . . yes, yes I was. And, this is what I was doing . . . snuggling Prince Charles (5.5 weeks old): Our attempt at photos of the three Christmas babies! H and W LOVE their baby cousin. They giggle at him and coo--it is hilarious! We had to be on guard at all times because they really, REALLY wanted to touch him. This little attempt at pictures of the three of them was a hilarious disaster!

Take 1
Take 2Take 3Take 4: William is gone, and it was at about this point that Hudson realized he could rock the bouncey seat and fling the baby across the room!Guess whose hand this is?
Take 5: Courtesy of Aunt Katie and Uncle Christopher intervening!Take 6: And, done. Hudson will now shatter all remaining glass balls.Christopher with Charles ChristopherThen, it was to Nana's House we go! (Yes, it is still Christmas Day! Are you tired yet?)
Nana's Stockings galore!
Bumpa and William enjoying watching the race cars crash!
Flashing Back to Christmas Eve Dinner at Sugie and Bumpa's with Bumpa's side of the Family!
A special guest, Jennifer, joined us this year! So fun!
Our grandfather, Paps, always did a hilarious grab-bag "box" of Santa goodies. This year, Uncle Christopher took over the tradition! What a fun surprise for us all! This is Christopher explaining the game to the little cousins!Sam and I really enjoyed getting dressed up for the occasion!
Merry, Merry Christmas! And, Happy New Year, Y'all!

Here we come, Nonna, Grandpa, and Aunt Courtney . . .