Candid Camera Christmas

Today we had our annual Norquist clan gathering at my brother's house in Chehalis, WA.

The one's who come the farthest are usually the first to arrive.  Has the party started yet?

 Apparently the Gibson's kittens are learning to travel.  While they spent most of the time in their box in the van, they made an appearance early on.

Dig in to the hors d' oeuvres, Isaac.

There in the middle is the plate of lefse Tom and I made Thursday, with the top layer already devoured.

The problem with taking candid  shots at a party is that you always catch someone eating.

 Chow down, Jake.  You too, Laurie.

 Arnie sits watch over the accumulating gifts for the "get a gift or take a gift" exchange.  Or maybe he's just watching football.  The Oregon State game isn't on yet, but Ben is ready.

 Did someone say "Food"?  Dinner is served.  Brother Hank and Cindy supplied the prime rib.  Sister Laurie supplied the scalloped potatoes.  Salads were assigned to others.  My assignment was dessert, of course. 

 My nephew Scott, son of Sister Ilene, seen in the background, couldn't come, but he sent these hand turned vases that he made.  They are treasures for the Aunts and Uncle.

 Ben, clothed in Oregon State Beaver orange, dained (to regard or treat with haughty contempt) to open the gift wrapped in the hated University of Oregon yellow and green - Uncle Tom's idea of a joke.
 Laurie is hoping nobody steals this one.

 The kids had to wait for their turn at their pile.

 We all had a good time, ate well, and laughed plenty, even the matriarchs.

And that ends the Christmas celebrating for this year.  On to New Years.