The In-Between Festivities

 In my last post about our Christmas Cookies with Cousins, I said I would share photos of the "after-party" from that day. My parents house was quite that happening place for about three days due to all of the festivities! So to continue the cookie making story......As the cousins got done cutting out, and decorating, however many cookies they chose to do, most of them ended up in Grandma and Grandpa's basement!

I believe this photo sums up the main attraction in the basement! There are many and various wheeled devices for small fry to enjoy down there, and I think there was more than one lap made by everyone! And, by the looks of it, Silas was leading the pack!

Not sure if Sylvia was the speed-limit enforcer...

....but it looks like Silas may have gotten caught!

Charity found herself one of those fat-tired bikes that are all the rage these days!

These two cousins, Susannah and Marie, were scooter buddies.

I never heard motorcycles racing in the basement, but apparently Paul wanted to protect his genius mind with a trusty helmet!

Grandpa, my dad, played a role in the basement events that week, also. I believe he directed traffic, played soccer, and schooled the kiddos in the game of Carrom, just to name a few!

As cousins wore out, they retired to the living room with books. Aunt Katelyn was a willing narrator for Susannah, Morgan, and Charity. (And in the background, Sam is sporting a motorcycle helmet! Seeing that makes me laugh!!)

The day after the fun, exciting, and very energetic afternoon and evening of the Christmas Cookies with Cousins event, there was another impromptu lunch gathering! All of the cousins came to Grandma and Grandpa's house again, along with their moms. Jason and I treated everyone (about 24 people total) to his infamous home-made pizza. Come to think of it, I believe everyone ate it, but I don't think I ever heard what everyone thought of it. Hmmm....makes me wonder. Nonetheless, the cousins got to spend even more time enjoying each other, and the fun that they have at Grandma and Grandpa's.

Sylvia was one of Little Pumpkin's special buddies.

Sylvia, Morgan, and Rachel Anne got to enjoy wheeled races once again.

Miss Avery's outgoing personality shines even in photos!

I'm not quite sure what Bob was wheeling around on, but the camera caught him in action! And, I thought it was a good photo!

Hannah and Sam playing a game of Carrom.

I think these cousins may have been a bit tuckered out from the day before! Charity, Marie, and Susannah spent a lot of time reading books on this afternoon.

Little Pumpkin and Sylvia coloring together.

And Silas and Little Pumpkin discovered the marble game!!! It was a big hit for Little Pumpkin!

As the day turned into evening, the folks that stayed around started playing games. Sam, Uncle Luke, Uncle Jason, and Bob played the game, "How to Rob a Bank," that Jason had brought along.

Later, Jason decided to give Bob and Sam their special Christmas gift early - there very own game of "Risk!" I believe a very intense game ensued.

The entire time we were at my parents, Little Pumpkin LOVED pushing around the baby-doll strollers. At one point in the evening, Silas started taking rides! All of the excitement was fun for all of the cousins, but I especially enjoyed seeing Little Pumpkin having so much fun with everyone. And, burning that much energy helped her to sleep well at night!

If you can believe it, there are still more pictures from the grand, "New Years Day at the Ranch!" So far, I have only shared about the pre-New Years Day festivities, and haven't even touched the main event! From the looks of it, my family might party a bit too hearty over New Years. But, everyone still showed up for one more day of party. Stay tuned!