Brannan Christmas

This Christmas with the Brannan family was especially fun (and loud) because EVERYONE was here!  Jeff's cousin, Marie, drove in from Wyoming with her family, and his other cousin, John, and his family were here as well...plus Chris from Portland and all the Valley people.  It made for a slightly chaotic, but certainly entertaining, time.  You never know what's going to happen with 5 kids under the age of 4!

The gang 

Jeff was holding Sam and trying to adjust the camera when Sam reached over and started taking pictures.  This was everyone's reaction.  Note that I have no reaction... this is somewhat normal for my children.

They both love taking pics with the remote.  So, part of their reward for their cooperation that day was to take pics themselves in between shots.  This is S.  Look at how happy he is!  And how silly I am...

The Bettinger/Flaniken/Hespen clan 

All the great-grandkids

And this is how we got the above shot.

Great-Grandma Ella holding Alana and Ethan's hands.

Grandma Ella with grandkids and great-grandkids

Our little fam

Kisses for good boys!  This is E. 

Every year, instead of giving gifts, we donate money to an organization/person of our choice, write a letter about it, and attach a yummy treat.  During our gathering, we grab a gift and get to read the donation letter aloud to the family.  

The harmonicas were a huge hit with our kids in their stockings, and with 2nd cousins.

Playing with Bella and a new toy

Singing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus (I LOVE Alana's expression!)

Blowing out the candles

Bella's crinkled nose!

Jack, Jenn, and S

Opening gifts from cousins

Before everyone arrived, the boys got a special present from Papa and Nana!

With only one car and two kids, the trunk works as a standing spot for the other kid.  

Taking a spin around the block

They love this car!  It's our main mode of transportation around Hume in the snow these days (look at those tires!).  It keeps everyone entertained and happy on our short walks to the chapel to listen to the band practice or to get the mail.  Thanks Papa and Nana!