Celebrating with the Gehring Clan

Today we went to Shawn and Leanne's house
to celebrate as the Gehring family.

Katrina and Samuel were captivated by Aunt Leanne's
singing gingerbread house, tree and snowman.
Katrina enjoyed dancing to the music
while Samuel made the rounds turning them all on at once.
Pancho spent some time playing with the dogs: Ginger and Kyah.

After enjoying Mom's homemade egg nog
we headed to the lower level to exchange some gifts.

The kids enjoyed opening a few more presents.
Each year we try to do something a bit different among the adults.
In the past we have done gifts based around the
theme of "my favorite things."
This year, however, we decided to give one another consumable gifts.
It was great to see the creativity among the couples.
We made the jar-filled items pictured on the silver chargers.
(all-purpose spice rub, hot fudge, individual jar pies)
Shawn and Leanne gave everyone a different meal that they prepared.
Nick and Amber gave each couple something consumable perfect for each
couple's likes and demeanors.
Dad and Mom made homemade ice cream, homemade pesto and then gave us each a bag of shrimp along with another VERY generous gift to use toward "family betterment" as they call it.
After the gifts we took some pictures.
Samuel was getting hungry and was not
happy about yet another picture, but we turned out ok.
The rest of the family looks great!

After the pictures we moved back to the main level
to finish preparing the pasta bar for lunch.
Each family contributed something and we ate like kings and queens.
We had:
pear and cashew salad
penne pasta
thin spaghetti
GF fusilli
marinara sauce
alfredo sauce
pesto
meatballs
grilled chicken
steamed shrimp
parmesan cheese
garlic bread
We had to wait several hours in order to eat the two yummy
desserts Leanne had prepared.

Thanks, Gehring clan, for the fun-filled day.
We love you tons!