I grew up with fresh cut, really TALL Christmas trees (because we'd usually cut it down ourselves, and the ceiling is 2 stories high), but it's been years since they've had a real tree. And this year's tree was LARGER THAN LIFE!!! They decided to down a cypress in their front yard anyway...so why not use it for Christmas too? It was hilariously large (but beautiful) and made us all think of Clark Griswald's tree...
Bree gets so much love from her Aunt Sheesha and Nonna!
Our best attempt at a family picture this year!
The Reuter cousins....
All the "Cousins", 6 of them under 3 years old! YIKES!
Brian & Hayes
(this is our pitiful little entry in front, we should get the best effort award, all the kids helped)
As you could see, we had a nativity scene, Uga's dog house, Nonna & G.G.'s house, Griswald's, Cottage with koi pond, the Polar Express and few other adorable winter wonderland homes. Everyone got so into it....I was very proud of the creativity!!!
This year's contest was Gingerbread house. The only rules were that all elements had to be edible, must be decorated by hand but could come from a kit, and it couldn't be larger than a 9x13 pan. So while most of the entries did not exactly follow the rules (cheaters, cheaters, pumpkin eaters!) they were so creative and fun! I'll give you one guess which was Wade's favorite....
(this is our pitiful little entry in front, we should get the best effort award, all the kids helped)
As you could see, we had a nativity scene, Uga's dog house, Nonna & G.G.'s house, Griswald's, Cottage with koi pond, the Polar Express and few other adorable winter wonderland homes. Everyone got so into it....I was very proud of the creativity!!!Colt (and the other little ones) were mesmerized by the singing/dancing animals throughout the house. 
The girls of the family...only missing Nonna. 
We had a VERY special visitor to the party this year!!! After spreading reindeer food earlier in the evening, we were able to lure SANTA HIMSELF to visit us early. He didn't bring the reinderr this trip because he said they needed to rest up for the long night ahead. 
The kids were in AWE and so excited Santa actually came on Christmas Eve.
Look how Wade is creeping up on Cae's alone time with the Big Guy
The kids were in AWE and so excited Santa actually came on Christmas Eve.
Look how Wade is creeping up on Cae's alone time with the Big Guy
You can tell Wade is excited and shy...his finger's in his mouth
Nonna must've been a good girl this year
Nanny too!!!
Nonna must've been a good girl this year
Nanny too!!!
There was a little something for everyone! Thanks Santa!
Wade opened a gift from our cousin swap. Oh my goodness! Can you guess what it is??? :)
He just can't wait for it to come out of the package!!!
It's NED the brachiosaurus from Dinosaur Train (and the train car too!)
I realize looking back I do a horrible job of getting pictures of the adults, but I hope you'll forgive me! There were so many of us there it's hard :) Better luck next year!
Wade opened a gift from our cousin swap. Oh my goodness! Can you guess what it is??? :)
He just can't wait for it to come out of the package!!!
It's NED the brachiosaurus from Dinosaur Train (and the train car too!)
I realize looking back I do a horrible job of getting pictures of the adults, but I hope you'll forgive me! There were so many of us there it's hard :) Better luck next year!
Beau pulled out his old football gear for Rowan. It fit perfectly! Rowan is a football superstar already, now he just has the gear to match his skills :)
