Cole's First Christmas

We alternate years spending Christmas Eve and Christmas Day together with our respective family, this year with the DeSutter's. DeSutter Christmas is not your average family gathering... there were 20 of us this year (Amy's parents, her 5 siblings and their 5 spouses, 6 grandchildren and don't forget to count us)and by next Christmas, we expect to have 22! It's a good thing that we draw names for gift giving or you would not be able to see the tree buried in presents. At any given time, there are at least 11 people in the house throughout the week and we never had fewer than 14 at any meal. Needless to say, Cole got a lot of attention and was pretty entertained by the crowd!

We started off the week with gumbo night at Lauren & Brian's house. This was the night that Cole met his Aunt Stephie for the first time. Well, he met Uncle Jon and Uncle Brian too, but really it was all about Aunt Stephie! Next was my turn to cook... we devoured a big pot of sauce, meatballs and sausage. Cate was a big help getting everything ready and cleaning up! This was the night that Paca got home and met Cole for the first time.

On Christmas Eve, Renee initiated a new tradition of a nativity with the children. Emily was Mary, Josh was Joseph (with quite an old man's beard!) and Mathew was the angel. The three of them did their speaking parts perfectly! Lizzy was a sheep and Cole was baby Jesus (no crying he made) and Lydia was supposed to be a sheep, but missed out because of her nap.

After dinner we all opened a gift that was a hint and a donation in our honor... Nana and Paca were very creative. All the kids and girls got PJ's too... it was fun matching!

On Christmas morning we exchanged gifts and had brunch that Christina mostly prepared. We are thankful for all of the thoughtful gifts we received! Cole especially loves the bib with the chew toys attached, a brilliant invention, and the cars that his cousin Josh picked out for him!

After things quieted down a bit from the holidays, we had a little time to spend with each of my local siblings one family at a time which is always fun as well. Here is a picture of Cole and I with Emily and Lizzy who were both in love with Colden and hoping for a baby brother next year!