family at the holidays

My life has been void of a large family for many years now.  Most family gatherings only involve my parents, my two brothers, a sister-in-law, and a niece (9) and nephew (11).  The holidays just tend to be really quiet in the Miller household.  I miss the hustle and bustle of the Christmas of my youth, when there were grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, gingerbread houses, card games, and holiday dancing.

But at the Kinnaird house... 

One of my best friends, Bet, and her family have been so gracious to invite me to family get-togethers and treat me like one of their own.  I love spending time with all of them because 1. there are so many of them 2. there are a bunch of little kids 3. there is so much noise and action going on and 4. everyone is full of joy and love.