Cousin celebrations

Papa and Noni hosted our extended family/cousin
Christmas celebration last weekend...

in typical Hannah fashion, she took a little while to come out of her shell...
clinging to those who are familiar.

(auntie wasn't complaining...either was Papa!)

but before long she and Joy were joined together and all was right in the land :)

Mommy especially takes great joy in watching the two of them
pal around together;

a friendship she was able to have with her girl cousins
growing up, and to this day remains a special thing.

Elijah also embraced having a little cousin more his size to toddle around with!

"Baby" Taryn, (now over 1 year old already!)
is absolutely delightful and had a way of capturing a room full
of 10-12 adults;
all watching her explore and interact in her little world!

Drew and I quickly exchanged giant hugs when Drew arrived,


and we were off - running, chasing, and causing much havoc!
Volume, volume, volume!

Remember that sweet, dainty, relationship
just mentioned above about Hannah and Joy?

Well, we boys have a different way of playing.
One that can turn to destruction at a moments notice!

But, I will have you know - the girls can be a little rowdy too -

(that is, if you can call dancing and singing Christmas Carols for all attending is rowdy!)

Eman still tends to "hide" in the background,
but don't be fooled... a wild one is yet to make his mark.
Just you wait!