When I think about Christmas with the Johnson's growing up it is such a special and sweet memory. It was always on Christmas Eve. We would go in the morning over to my Grandpa and Grandma Johnson's house in PL. Everyone would meet and we would play all day long. My Grandma never had presents completely wrapped, so she would get us Grandkids to help her with that task. Being the oldest and female, I would organize a play that was mandatory for all cousins to participate in. Of course the play was centered around Christmas. I am sure the adults loved this because they could talk, the men would sit around the table in the garage with Grandpa Vernie and play cards, the women would be getting the presents and food ready and talking. I remember all the food my Grandma would make and especially at Christmas her Bonbons. It was always so chaotic, but one of the BEST memories I have. Every year someone would think of a new way or place to open presents, but it didn't matter. It was always the same. Way too many presents and we loved it. We could hardly fit in the room ourselves. By the end of the day, we were ready for a sugar crash and on our way home no earlier than what seemed like midnight.
So, before moving on to new memories, let's revisit a couple from the past...
One of the plays we put on...
When we were really little, Grandpa always dressed up as Santa Claus.
Tipping our hats to Grandpa Johnson
Shopping buddies, Uncle Steve and Dad with Aunty Darcy. I know I am older than 20 and I still say "aunty", but it seems weird to say it any other way.
All 11 grandkids, Andy, Ifrah and two great grandkids with Grandma. If only you could have heard the language coming out of Grandma's mouth. We are creating memories, Grandma.
It was so nice outside, it almost felt more like Easter. The boys played some football while my Dad and his siblings ran to the cemetery to visit my Grandpa Vernie's plot. I can't believe it has been almost 11 years since we lost him.
Alex loved playing Foosball!
Another memory I have about Johnson Christmas' is the noise. It is indescribably loud. This one was no exception, but somehow my little man managed to find a quick nap on Grandma Johnson.
The Goodwin's offered to host Christmas this year and it was so nice. They decided on a dice game for presents. It was a lot of fun and Alex enjoyed rolling the die also.
That's the game I ended up with and Andy got the box with the nighty in it (it also had a Buffalo Wild Wings gift card attached).
Lookin' good, Gram.
The nighty Andy won.
The snuggy Pete won. Do you think you will need that much down South?
Like always, a card game was born. As I was taking pictures and later watching the game at hand it brought back lots of memories. But this time, I couldn't believe how much Frankie reminded me of his dad. But, mostly, I couldn't believe how much my dad reminded me of his dad, my Grandpa, Vernie.
Sometimes it makes me sad to look back and remember. It makes me sad that those days are gone and are now just a piece of who I am. But, then I look at my husband and two little boys and see the future. At Christmas especially, I am thankful for my family and my memories. I hope and pray that my boys will have the same kinds of memories of their cousins and strong family traditions. I am so blessed in my life and love.
Gosh. This one was really sappy.
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