Jones Thanksmas Gathering

We hosted our 2nd biennial (yes, that's really a word - I looked it up - for anyone who doesn't know - it means every other year.) Jones Thanksmas gathering the second weekend in December. We had a wonderful time together. It was pretty crazy timing, because we did the Monday night all-night flight home from Hawaii, got home Tuesday at noon and had family showing up 24 hours later. There was a bumper crop in the Jones family this year - 4 new babies so there were 25 of us this time. Although Mike and I didn't get much time to talk and it was pretty crazy, we loved having everyone here!




It wouldn't be a Jones gathering without game nights (after the kiddos were in bed, of course)




Grandpa's traditional "Rolly Pancakes" aka swedish pancakes - again it wouldn't be a real gathering without these!



We borrowed a Wii and had a lot of fun playing it until all hours of the night. We have some great facial expression pictures, but to protect the innocent (Mom...), I won't post them.




Alan brought his handcuffs and the "out-laws" ganged up on Jason to cuff him. Jason's a fighter though and I am not sure they were completely successful. Boys and their idea of "fun"!



Katy and I had a different idea of fun - making bows - because no baby girl can have too many bows!



Katy has made/collected costumes for the live nativity for the kids. And it is definately "live". Hopefully a fun ongoing tradition/memory for everyone.




Traditions are a wonderful thing! We started making these Christmas trains with our dear friends the Gwynns back when I was in middle school and we have continued it almost every year since. This year we had the most creative/unique trains. And we had a great time making them. Usually, we enjoy eating them too, but with so many little hands touching all the candy, and the sicknesses we spread around - the garbage got to enjoy them instead. This train was created by Whitney, Bridger and Grandpa and won the "most candies used" award.




The candy train and the Polar Express train (made by Katy and directed by Kennin and Cahlin) - I am not sure they helped much, they mostly ate candies. How can you resist?




The minature train. Created by Alan, Melinda and me. We couldn't recruit any kids and actually, I think Alan ended up doing most of the work because Melinda and I had to be in and out taking care of munchkins. But the tunnel was my idea - executed beautifully by Alan's master engineering skills.




Kenna, Bekah, Kevin and Lynette made this tropical train. You can't really see it, but they have a lake with fish and sharks and even a little palm tree.




Dale, Emmalee and Caloway made this last masterpiece. Like I said - we didn't eat any of them, although I am SURE no one licked their fingers.


Another of our favorite family traditions is singing together, although I don't have a picture of us all singing. Our ward needed a musical number so we whipped up a really neat Craig Petrie arrangment of Silent Night. I must say - our family has a pretty impressive men's section!




We were able to bless Brynlee over the weekend. It was a big weekend of meeting people for our little Brynlee. Uncle Jonathan came from Colorado. We were so glad he was able to make it.




Jenna and her family also came up - it was great to be able to be surrounded with so much family! We have such a loving and supportive family!




Aunt Nette met Bryn for the first time too. She is using her magic touch and song to lull our little angel to sleep.




Jake was acutally reading this book to Bryn - can you even believe it? He's a smarty.