On the Third Day of Christmas...

Christmas Eve (which seems like ages ago now!) started off with a special breakfast celebration, Betty Crocker's cinnamon rolls, for daddy's 27 birthday.   Once our stuff was finally packed and the car loaded, it was off to Innsbrook for the annual Drissell family get together.

The December Birthday's pose for their shot

Aunt Tracy, Aunt Debbie, Kayla, and Alex (twin Jaxson was home sick) and David 

The Annual Family Pictures

And the Cousins (and two spouses) with Grandmommy & Granddaddy 

(as Melaina said on FB-we missed you Matt, Becky, Bella, Natalee Joy, Jesse, Alex, and Natalee)

Uncle Don instigated a group hug for Natalee 

Every year, my grandparents choose a theme for the gifts, often centered around where they've traveled.  This year it was "Light," celebrating Jesus being born and coming into the world as the light.  A meaningful part of each gathering is when Granddaddy gives a Christmas devotional and prays.  What a blessing to have grandparents who love and serve the Lord and share it with the next generation! Gifts were light up globes for the cousins and Thomas Kincade light pictures/mugs for the adults; Blaise got a light up sea horse toy.  Last year, it was "Life is Good" and various t-shirts and mugs were given.  Other favorite themes: Snowed in (complete with fake falling snow from the balcony!), St. Louis, and My Big Fat Greek Christmas.  (i can't get this to unbold! grrr)

Cousin Andy brought back kilts from Scotland where he's studying Architecture abroad & Luke just got back from Japan! 

Blaise enjoys a chat with Great Uncle Ken and the ornaments! 

There is never a dull moment at a Drissell gathering! These fabulous glasses Blaise is sporting were proudly worn by each person as they opened their gifts. Blaise got four textured & colorful sensory balls, a stuffed animal penguin (appropriate since David's been designing a Penguin House at work!), and Curious George at the Aquarium from cousin Melaina.  The funny part was that we didn't put his name in the drawing...oops! That meant someone was with out a gift!  Cousin Megan was the lucky one but fortunately an anonymous donor chipped in some cash as saved the day. ;) 

This hilarious collage was created by Uncle Dan.  

The two pictures of Blaise & Granddaddy were taken by Melaina;)

Happy Birthday Daddy! 

After Innsbrook, we celebrated Christ's coming through worship at Chesterfield Presbyterian Church with our families. Later that evening, we had BBQ at the Baca's and mint chocolate oreo ice cream cake for daddy's birthday.  mmmmmm