Let the Parties Begin...

Yesterday we had our first family Christmas of 2012! We usually end up having quite a few by the time everything is said and done! We celebrated with the Dameron side of the family, and had a wonderful time of food and fellowship! We didn't have our normal Thanksgiving together, so it was great to see everyone (we missed you Nathan and Laura!).

First of all, I have to share this great new way to ice cookies, which I made for the party. In the past, I would spread the icing on with a knife and it was time consuming, but with this new technique, it took no time at all!

I mixed powdered sugar, water, and food coloring together until it was the right consistency (not too thick):

 I dipped the cookies in:

 Let the excess drip off:

 Sprinkled with sugar crystals:

 And ended up with these...

 Saturday, we all gathered at my parent's house (which I refer to as my "country house"). Here is one of the trees that I cut down and decorated a few weeks ago. It is HUGE!

 Ivey and "Dindaddy" (as Thomas calls him! When Thomas was leaving he pointed to him and said, "He is fun!")

 Cousin Ashley, her husband Jared, and little Landon:

 Robby and Grandmother:

 The twin cousin's wives, Rachel and Megan:

 Pretty mommy playing with Thomas' new car track:

 This picture cracks me up! Aunt Marlene is a hoot! She keeps us all laughing every time we are with her! Here she is with her "all pooped out from making so much stuff for this party" look! So thankful for her life and the joy she brings!

 My sweet parents and the host and hostess of the party! Thanks for all you did!

 Playing with toys:

 Aunt Lori and Uncle Bob...so many fun memories together!

 The two Davids! My mom and her sister Marlene both married men named David!

 Group shot:

 Sisters...where's Ivey? We'll eventually round her up for a pic!

 "Auntie Tat" with her babies:

 Elaine Mae is getting so big:

 The three sisters:

 Cutie pie:

 My sweet friend Meredith invited me to a holiday concert at the Tivoli featuring our symphony and chorus. It was a great concert and definitely was a great ending to a day full of Christmas festivities!

 Here we are in front of one of the window displays downtown:

 And the celebrations continued today! Today is my brother Jonathan's 21st birthday! After church, I went back to the "country house" to have dinner with the family and celebrate Jonathan's life! We are so thankful for you and the godly man you are! Can't believe you are so old! :) haha May God continue to bless your life as you are such a blessing to so many people!