Keeping Up with the Jones': Christmas party

This was our turn to host the annual Christmas party with our friends-the Hills and the Koehlers. We had plenty of appetizers and tacos for dinner and all sat down with the adults in the dining room and the kids in the kitchen. During dinner, the door bell rang and our neighbors were there to sing Christmas carols to us. It was the first time that I think I had ever been "caroled" to, as normally I am always on the singing end. But it was neat to be the recipient for once and I loved that everyone got to enjoy it.

After dinner, we got everyone together for the kid's Christmas gift exchange. We decided to do a Whtie elephant Christmas exchange again this year, but this year the kids did more "stealing" of gifts, which made it more fun.

Courtney got the coveted first and last choice. She picked a pillow pet and never traded with anyone.

Jordan went next and unwrapped an airsoft gun pistol with safety glasses and pellets.

Justin "stole" it from her and she is choking him but I really think she was happy about that exchange.

Jennifer unwrapped a popcorn bucket with stuff for movie night.

Jessica just couldn't decide who she wanted to steal from -there were too many good choices!

Brandon had stolen the popcorn bucket from Jennifer and didn't want Jessica to take it from him, but she did.

Jennifer ended up with some jewelry and lotions and girlie stuff.

Jackie was thrilled with her mood light and Brandon ended up with a movie. Jordan finally ended up with a NERF gun.

Then the ladies exchanged their gifts. Tina gave us a beautiful platter with a lovely saying about friendship on it. Dana gave us the book "One for the money" with a movie ticket in there for a girl's night out to see the movie when it comes out in January. And I gave them a Hallmark bag of goodies, including some countdown blocks with pictures on it from all of our Christmases together.