The Blomgren clan gathered on the second day of Christmas. We gathered in Kurt's beautiful home with most members being there at 2pm. The Olsons came rolling in at about 4pm because we got a late start on our journey.
Our traditional meal of oyster stew, sloppy Joes, shredded chicken, salads, cookies was devoured. Our kids really tackled a salad made of apples, grapes and orange slices...need to keep that in mind for other occasions.
We sang a couple of Christmas songs including Happy Birthday to You to Jesus and Silent Night. Anders read the Christmas story from Luke and Grandma B led us all in a rousing retelling of Twas the Night Before Christmas. Then, three children opened their gifts. After that the Blomgren gift exchange began. It was by the far the most active thieving game of all time. There were 22 people participating and there were just a few things that were never stolen and many that changed hands four times (the limit of exchanges). Brad ended up with some chocolates, a visor cap and some beautifully made coasters (Abby's friend Danielle brought them), I am bringing home a trio of crock pots and Anders is bringing home the mask and the game Code Names.
Katie and her Wildcat hat
Me and Momma
Josh and Anna
Katie, Liana, Erica and Adam
Cory and Joan
Brad and Kurt
Kyle and Kim
Cory and Mom
Abby and Danielle
Lots of great conversation in the beautiful open living/dining/kitchen
Kim and Mom
Vance and Kaitie
Ryan and Osten
the gamers--Ryan, Trenton, Kyle Jr., Osten and Anders
After the big exchange--Grandma B opened her gifts. Some people left shortly after the gifts were opened, but many hung out and visited. Mom and I left at about 10:30pm to return to her apartment where I spent the night.
Mom reading Twas the Night Before Christmas
Osten with his Adam Theilen action figure
Thomas with the boy gift--Axe Body Wash
Liana with the girl gift--Dove bodywash
first year in adult exchange and Anders got the mask!
brothers Evan and Thomas
soon to be cousins Liana and Kaitie
Those in attendance:
Mom, Kent, Anna, Josh, Abby, Danielle, Kurt, Vance, Kaitie, Kyle, Kim, Kyle Jr., Adam, Erica, Liana, Ryan, Cory, Joan, Thomas, Evan, Trenton, Brad, Karen, Anders, Katie and Osten.
What a wonderful time with family. Kurt offered to host the annual gathering in his home---very generous and comfortable place to gather.
Grandma with 13 of 16 grandchildren--missing Jenna, Stuart and Ross
Momma and her five children
Kim, Karen, Mom, Joan, Kyle, Brad, Kurt, Kent and Cory
Grandma and Katie
Three generations--Vivian, Katie and Karen
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