Every other year Kevin's parents stay home for Christmas and we join them for a wonderful evening of amazing food, beautiful Christmas music, a reading and sometimes reenactment:) of the nativity story, and special gift giving that can go on very late into the night. Now that we have our own children and our own home in the area, we say goodnight a little earlier than we use to and head back to our house to tuck the little ones in before Santa's arrival. But we have a great time all the same!
Here are the kids at their own little table. Even Joseph is part of the gang. My mother-in-law has a daycare, so we use her large daycare room to provide ample room for everyone present. 
And here is the big people table. Notice the hard-working lds missionaries (who often join us), and of course Nick and Melanie (Kevin's brother and delightful new wife). 
Papa Dueck carving one deliciously smoked turkey. Yum!
My mom, Grandma Loo herself, who also joins us for the big night. Lookin' good, Loo Loo!
What a joyful tradition. We absolutely love making memories with all of our family. And I can't imagine a better purpose to be together than to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus the Christ. Our knowledge of Him makes the joy of family that much more exquisite.
My mom, Grandma Loo herself, who also joins us for the big night. Lookin' good, Loo Loo!
After we are ridiculously full from dinner, we then head upstairs to have a little program and eat lots of yummy treats ... so that we can be even more ridiculously full.
Mae's getting a head start on the rest of us. 
Momma Dueck in her gorgeous kitchen.
Loo and Joseph. Just hanging out.
And the program begins, with James ...
... and Porter playing Christmas songs they learned from their fabulous piano teacher (aka, Grandma Loo). We were also privileged to hear from Melanie & Nick.
Here is the reenactment of the nativity account; which is always very interesting when children are involved. In this particular picture for example, I have no idea in the world why Brooks (Mr. Wise Man) is laying spread out on the nice soft floor. Maybe he's mistaking this with the story of the Good Samaritan. 
All of us with Kevin's folks.
All of us with Kevin's folks, now wearing funny faces. James looks particularly psychotic.
And our own little family that we still can't believe is ours.
Where there's a cute and cuddly baby, there's a doting Auntie Heidi.
Momma Dueck in her gorgeous kitchen.
Loo and Joseph. Just hanging out.
And the program begins, with James ...
... and Porter playing Christmas songs they learned from their fabulous piano teacher (aka, Grandma Loo). We were also privileged to hear from Melanie & Nick.
Here is the reenactment of the nativity account; which is always very interesting when children are involved. In this particular picture for example, I have no idea in the world why Brooks (Mr. Wise Man) is laying spread out on the nice soft floor. Maybe he's mistaking this with the story of the Good Samaritan. 
All of us with Kevin's folks.
All of us with Kevin's folks, now wearing funny faces. James looks particularly psychotic.
And our own little family that we still can't believe is ours.
Where there's a cute and cuddly baby, there's a doting Auntie Heidi.
It's always fun to have a little Christmas baby -- Joseph at 3 1/2 months.
Babies are just too much fun. We are all so happy to have him!
Babies are just too much fun. We are all so happy to have him!
Little Mae very delicately enjoying her new Belle figurine. 
Nick and Melanie all geared up for battle. This was our gift to them. Think it was Kevin's idea??? I'm not telling. Hopefully they still like us.
Our new super soft blanket. Just perfect for cuddling up under with someone most especially special.
Nick and Melanie all geared up for battle. This was our gift to them. Think it was Kevin's idea??? I'm not telling. Hopefully they still like us.
Our new super soft blanket. Just perfect for cuddling up under with someone most especially special.
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