The GrisWARD Family Christmas

The weekend after Christmas we headed to Texas to press on, and have the hap, hap, happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny Kaye. And when Santa squeezed his fat white bottom down the chimney that night, he found the jolliest bunch of elves this side of the nuthouse. Thank you Clark Griswold.

This was the first Christmas since Grandmother Shirley passed away, and I was fearful that with both grandparents on the Ward side gone, the Ward clan may not congregate as usual. Thank you, Aunt Susan, for making sure we did.

Cousin Craig is one of the funniest guys we know. He can make all of us belly laugh, especially Henry.

 

 

I am thankful for laughter, until milk comes out of my nose!

 

 

 

After Henry gained his composure

 

 

Miranda taking over Yahtzee. I'm quite certain this little beauty could master anything put in front of her.

 

 

 

Madison and her Kiwi, whom we all adore. Thanks for crossing the ocean to spend your Christmas with our crazy family, Ryan!

 

 

Miss Molly looking adorable as ever

  

 

 

Doing what Riselings and Wards do best. Laughing together around the kitchen table while drinking our Riesling and talking about times of yore. 

 

Mom and Aunt Susan, the hostess with the mostess

 

 

Like two peas in a pod

 

 

Lucy

 

 

 

 

Yo Queiro Taco Bell

 

 

 

Still very much in love

 

 

Or, at least they were before Susan started honking Uncle Larry's nose

 

 

The Riseling female half

 

 

A day without laughter is a day wasted.

 

 

So, long story short, my mom's brother (Larry) married my dad's sister (Susan)...this is okay, I promise...and had four beautiful children (Craig, Madison, Mollie, Reid). You can imagine how well we all get along, same genes and all. Lots of laughs shared on family vacations, and some humiliation on the slopes of Colorado.

 

 

 

 

I'm beginning to wonder if we're going to loose Madison to her New Zealand mate. But we love Ryan, so as sad as we are to say goodbye, we know she's in good hands...and this means we'll have insiders to show us around the island when we go for a visit!

 

 

 

 

Henry idolizes his cousin, Miranda. Especially now, after gifting him with an alligator that stands taller than he does. He loves his new alligator friend, Miranda!

 

 

Check out those knees! So strong, Molly!

 

 

 

Because the family has grown, both in size and in age, instead of buying gifts for EVERYONE, we play a mean game of Dirty Santa. Lots of goodies (and tricks) lying under this tree.

 

 

 

One of my favorite Dirty Santa gifts. Dig the hat, man!