Stevenson Christmas Party

This year my parents took it upon themselves to plan the annual Stevenson Christmas party.  It took place on December 23rd.  Growing up we'd always go to my Grandma and Grandpa Stevenson's house on Christmas and they would always spoil us like crazy.  As our family has grown, that just isn't a possibility anymore, but in some way Christmas just isn't the same without Grandpa Stevenson.  Though his health hasn't been great lately we were fortunate that he was well enough to make it to the party for a little while.  It was so good to see him and good to see all of our extended family.  I used to see them all so often, but now it's only a couple times a year if we're lucky.  My parents did a great job putting together the party though and I think it took a lot of stress off my grandpa.  I think he feels bad not doing something for Christmas.  The party was at my parent's church and everyone helped out with food.

Here are the girls giving great Grandpa a big hug

 Aivree enjoying a cookie, or as she would say it "too-tie"

 Grandpa with our family.  He and Nancy gave all of us a little lantern (you can see Ani and Rob holding theirs) with candy and money inside.  He's our Santa :)

 Here's a view of the room and how we set it up.  We had a great turnout which is always good.

 We sang carols while some played these bells.  Here is my mom teaching them when to ring their bells.

The decor for the center of the food table 

 We decorated the eating tables with the gingerbread houses/trains we made about a month ago at my parents.  This particular was made by Sara (my cousin) and Spencer.  It's the Nightmare Before Christmas House.  They're very morbid, I know.

 And here is the house that Sharla and Ammon made...I guess they were having troubles putting their house together so they cut it up and made a castle instead.  It turned out great don't you think?

It was a really fun Christmas party and a great way to start off the Christmas weekend.