Chinese Christmas

Well, we had a fantastic time in Jasper visiting family and playing Chinese Christmas last weekend. If you've never played - you're missing out! I'm sure it has many different names and different rules, but the elements are the same. Essentially, everyone brings a gift and everyone gets a number. Starting with 1 - each person picks a gift, and then the next person gets a gift. However, the person can either choose to open a new gift or can 'steal' a gift from someone else, forcing that person to either 'steal' a gift or pick a new one. This can be quite fun if everyone has a sense of humor and likes each other. Which, fortunately, applies to our family! We had an absolutely fun time, and though we didn't get to visit much this year, we were still welcomed with open arms. One of the things that I love most about family is that they accept and love you the way you are!
We also got to visit with our nephews Austin and Jason and our niece Allyson. They are getting so big and are developing wonderful personalities. We did learn a lesson though - never buy one gift for two boys to share! We rarely get to stay long, but we always feel more connected and less stressed after a visit home to Jasper.

Holiday Parties

We have been and will continue to be busy partying over the Christmas holiday season! On Dec 1, we went to Ken's company holiday party, an extremely lavish affair. We even danced! Our gift this year was a digital picture keychain, which I was particularly wanting and almost bought for myself - glad I didn't! Thanks, ASI. Here's a lovely picture from the festivities. We had a great time and stayed in town at a nice hotel and got massages at the spa to feel like we were really being extravagant.
On Dec 7, we went to my holiday party at the North by Northwest (NXNW) Brewery. It was also a lovely affair, where everyone got a prize! I got a new fleece pullover from Land's End - beautiful Cobalt Blue.
On the 15th, we'll have the 2nd Annual Carnline Descendent's Chinese Christmas party at our cousin's in Kirbyville (near Jasper, TX). It is always a lot of fun - especially watching all the kids open their gifts. On the 22nd, we'll visit Ken's dad, sister, and brother in Katy, TX for Christmas dinner and Sunday brunch. We plan to spend Christmas eve with neighbors and then Christmas morning and day together opening gifts!!
Hope your holidays are as fun!!
Krista