This year we gathered at Indian Point near Branson. All three sons were planning to come, but Brad got a new job right before Christmas and couldn't make it.
This is the house where we stayed on Indian Point. Our "Christmas House" for 2013.
Lance, Grace, Karis, Olivia, and Emily arrived first (after Mimi & Papa). We were within walking distance of Table Rock Lake. Too cold for water skiing.
Our first visit at Janet & Dwight's was when Kirk, Jeanine, Lexie, Grayson, and Dad arrived at Branson. Second cousins had fun together. First cousins didn't even fight.
Here we are with Andy and Betsy's girls, Adelyn and Marian, after Matt, Jackson, and Cami arrived.
Matt and Lance seemed to get along also.
We acted out the Christmas story. This is Mary with the Christ Child. This was a quiet time for "Mary".
Three wise "men" arrived on their camel named Lance.
So, what do you do for a week at the lake in winter? For one, make taffy. This is a Nuttle family recipe and tradition.
How about some table games, anyone?
A trip to Silver Dollar City livened us up. It was cold and crowded. But the next day it was warmer and the traffic into SDC was much worse. We picked a good day to go.
Olivia had to have an adult with her for this ride. They made me turn my cap around. And ... I was dizzy when I got off. She just laughed and smiled the whole ride.
Cami and big brother, Jackson.
Of course, opening gifts was a hit.
But our greatest earthly gift this Christmas was having most of the family together. They got to see some cousins that they rarely see. Dad (Great Grandpa) got to see them all.
But Christmas is really about that heavenly gift that came to earth to bring about our redemption. I hope your Christmas was a special as ours. May the gift of Jesus Christ bring Christmas joy to you and your house all year long.
