Last night we celebrated Christmas with our small group! I know I've shared on more than one occasion just how much we love these couples, who have in many ways become our family here in Pittsburgh while we're so far from home. Steve and Elizabeth graciously hosted, and didn't mind us coming about half an our early so I could feed Porter before everyone else arrived. In the meantime, Kaiser enjoyed playing with and being read to by Miss Elizabeth, and of course sneaking more than a few crackers and apple slices from the appetizer spread she'd laid out (despite having already eaten dinner beforehand).
I guess I should mention that we were informed by our hosts that their party had a dress code: Christmas sweaters. Some of our group members were understated, choosing to simply wear holiday colors; we, however, opted to fall on the (more fun) tacky end of the spectrum. I had created a gorgeous, sparkly poinsettia number for our LifeGroup party four years ago, which I was happy to wear again, and I sewed ornaments on a red sweatshirt for Brett to don. I dressed the boys in Christmas pajamas, too, and before Kaiser went upstairs to bed, we posed for a Braly family photo.
Is it sad that the only decent pic of all four of us is in these clothes?
We had a fantastic time catching up with everyone over dinner. Between having a new baby, Brett's schedule, having family in town, and Thanksgiving, we've only been able to make it to one small group meeting over the past couple of months, and we've really missed our friends!
Me and Jen, who is due with her own sweet baby boy in just three weeks!
Kristen and me with our hostess, Elizabeth.
The girls and Kristen's mom, who was in town from Ft. Worth.
Our merry group, minus two couples who couldn't make it.
(Notice that everyone is serious but Doug, who didn't get the memo and is throwing up a "tiger paw"! Ha!)
Since Porter hasn't had a chance to spend a whole lot of time with our group, I let him stay up quite a bit later than normal. He was a little angel and just quietly looked around and took everything in as he was passed from person to person.
In an adorable "Baby's 1st Christmas" outfit from YaYa.
Completely content in Kristen's arms for much of the night.
Hugs from Daddy before heading up to bed.
When I got back downstairs after laying Porter down, we gathered around for a friendly game of White Elephant/Yankee Swap/Dirty Santa. Everyone brought a re-gift from home or, if they purchased something new, had a $10 limit on the item. Presents ranged from lottery tickets (which Brett bought and stole for himself -- didn't win any money, though) to a full-size hammock. Perhaps one of the most entertaining moments of the night was when Tuff opened up a book for nursing moms (which Elizabeth, a pediatrician, got through the hospital).
(The book was later stolen by Jen, who will actually put it to good use!)
Not long afterward, we decided to fetch the boys from upstairs and head home. As we were packing up and saying goodbye, Tuff pulled out a fabulous wig that he'd picked up at the thrift store where he and Mary found their Christmas sweaters. Sky decided to try it on, and I just had to snap a pic before we walked out the door.
Brett, the boys, and I had a ball sharing an evening of Christmas cheer with so many fun people!
Thorpes, Melders, Speakmans, Harrises, Ammiratis, Buchanans, Edwardses, and Flecks: You are true blessings to us!
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