Festive gathering

This week has been a whirlwind of merry activity. We had our family and friends over for our traditional Christmas brunch, complete with little babies/toddlers chasing cats around the house and tripping over thresholds, a cheesy white elephant gift exchange, and a time of unity while making beautiful noise with our pipe chimes. Definitely a wonderful morning, here are a few photographic memories to immortalize the festive occasion...

My wonderful in-laws, busy slaving over the hot oven

And my sister-in-law, preparing jam for her incredible homemade croissants, all the while looking pregnant and beautiful

Mmm...those croissants were delicious, and overall, we had quite an amazing spread!

I thought our house was lovely, with a warm, cheerful fire crackling in the hearth, and bright morning sunlight filtering over the snow and onto the Christmas tree

Everyone sat around enjoying themselves in the merry atmosphere...the doting grandparents, the in-love expecting couple, the sister who loves babies, the cute father and parents with daughter...you name it, a little of everything, and love all around...

The little ones exploring decorations and biting off heads of gingerbread men

The white elephant exchange went off smoothly without too much violent fighting over gifts

And the chimes did sound quite lovely, especially when we played "Silver Bells"

And of course, what would a party at our house be if it didn't finish off with a little good, old-fashioned Rockband?

Thank you everyone for a splendid morning of food, laughter and fun!