Tuesday, December 14, 2010

St Nicholas.....


Our yearly St. Nicholas gathering is a chance to honor our Dutch heritage, and pay tribute to my Mom who works so tirelessly to keep our family close to one another.


This year we got to see our celebration thru a new set of eyes.


We love the tradition that my Mom began when we were children, and which a new generation will now grow to appreciate.


The cousin's visit from near and far.....


.....which pleases my mom very much. In fact I think our being there is her very favorite present.


Clare sat on her Daddy's lap and learned the art of present opening.....


Our little girl got quite into the spirit of the day!!!!


Many of our gifts are made by hand and given from the heart. Jim took a wonderful panorama photograph of Jonathan and Jill's favorite city and gifted the kids with it. They LOVED their gift!!!!


Clare soon figured out how she could open her own gifts....


.....and delighted in all of her new toys.


We continue to know that the greatest gift is love,
and there is plenty of that in this family.


So from our family to yours.....
we wish you a blessed holiday filled with family and lots of love!!!!

5 comments:

Carol said...

What a wonderful celebration...Clare is growing up sooooooo fast and it won't be long before a new little person arrives in your family...your mom is just precious!

Kelly@ Charming Chatter said...

Aw - how nice to see such a warm family gathering at Christmas time! And Clare - what a cutie pie! She's growing fast!

Jacqueline Korteland Boller said...

Looks so festive and your mom so happy!! That makes me happy!!

Elyse said...

what a heartwarming celebration!

thank you so much for your comment on my recent post. so comforting and appreciated.

wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season ~*~

xo
elyse

Quilterlani said...

What a nice looking family. Annie--can you ask Cheryl for my email address and get in contact with me-I want to know about the pink "seam ripper" you had at camp? Thanks. Lani