James, You are a Star! -- 12/21/2013

It is with much anticipation and excitement that we drive to the home of my cousin Lynell and husband, Rick, for a Christmas gathering of the family of my Uncle Pete and Aunt Zula.  It has been a long time since I have seen many of the cousins, and have not met some of their children.  

The party is not only a family reunion of sorts, but a fun time with games.  And plenty of food!  Each person is requested to bring a Christmas ornament to exchange and to participate in an 'Ugly Christmas Sweater' contest.

We go through a wooded area with red and golden Autumn leaves still on many of the hardwood trees, which are mixed in with the pines, and across a finger of a lake, the scenery of which helps to enhance our cheery holiday mood. 

When we arrive, we wonder if we can find parking space, as there are so many cars.  It is wonderful that so many will be here.  Excitement increases!

We are greeted by niece Lee Ann and my sister, Meryl.  And many, many cousins!   

Kathy 

Hostess Lynell

Lila Ray

Kaden and Lila Ray

Meryl and Jerry

Herb, Willie, Jerry, Meryl, Lee Ann

Willie and Herb

James and Dorothy

Did I mention food? There is not an empty space on any table or bar left to place another dish.  We will be well nourished!

Lee Ann

Lee Ann and Willie

Nona takes a plate of assorted desserts to the people at her table.

Nona being helpful!

Many gift bags are under the Christmas tree, all containing an ornament.  Each of us choose a gift and show the ornament found inside. Most are humorous; some are very humorous!  Especially the outhouse purchased by Dorothy in Jefferson.  The object of the game is to try to keep the one you want, or swap for someone else's.  






James is amazed at the ornament he gets...

What?

...and it introduces the next event of the evening.

James' Ugly Sweater Ornament

The Ugly Christmas Sweater contest!

Kathy

Sharon

And the winner is:

...James!  Facing backward in the photo, because the back of his sweater is what won for him by popular vote!

There are many friendly barbs during the judging and voting.  A comment was heard in the room, "James did you win because your sweater is ugly or because the person wearing it is?"  

A runner-up is Sharon with her shirt displaying a mug shot of James and Bill, Kathy's husband.  This got many laughs.

Two Ugly Guys and a Girl

Willie of Willie's Tug
   and of Walldog, Willie and Jake
   Saturday, December 21, 2013