Every single year, without fail,
the Brown family Christmas party happens.
This year, it was my turn to host.
Oh, the pressure. :)
I jest.
It's pretty low key and lots of fun.
This year did not disappoint.
The highlight is ALWAYS the traditional game of Eskimo Bingo.
We have an adult version and a "kid" version.
There are not many "kids" left--
they are all approaching adulthood toooo fast.
Nonetheless, if you are 18 or younger, you are a kid.
Kyle was the gag gift giver in the kids version this year.
He exceeded all expectations...
And we are beginning to believe the rumors that Steve is paying my mom to choose him each year.
He was the gag gift this year,
and way too many previous years to count....
He is even recycling his gag gift--
It's the gift that keeps on giving...
Michaela was the lucky recipient :)
2016...
2011
Judie seems much happier to receive it than Michaela :)
It really was a great night of family and happiness.
We were super happy to have with us the newly returned ILP teacher, Cassidy,
fresh from her stint in Nanjing, China.
Who has better hair in this pic?
Don't let my happy face fool you---
I am super intense about my Eskimo Bingo.
My strategy for this year: avoid Michael and Steve's gifts at all cost.
Those two have had the gag gift more times than I'm comfortable with.
Notice the sense of smug calm on Steve's face as he reaches for a present?
He knows he has no chance of ending up with the gag gift....
This game gets seriously loud.
Jake, being delightful...
Will, doing heaven knows what...
Cody and Justine's first Christmas party as a married couple :)
Grandma Tomi, praying for something good...
Michael and Julie ( I'm running out of captions...)
And finally, the night was capped off by these two:
Cassidy shared some sweet, faith promoting experiences from China. It's always fun to see how much these teachers change
in the four months that they have been gone.
It was wonderful to hear her stories.
And Jordan shared with us last year's Christmas in Mexico.
It was really beautiful to hear his experience of rejection after rejection on Christmas Eve, no one wanting hear a message about Jesus on that night. But it turned out to be his most meaningful Christmas ever. Loved that message.
And that's the wrap-up.
Food, family, and fun once again.
The Brown Family Christmas Party
is officially adjourned until next year.
May it be a good one.
.
