It's a Wonderful Life

Jon Potter.  We see him once a year at this gathering.

Every year since we've been married Amy and I have hosted a Christmas party for our closest friends and their families.  Some have been attending our annual gathering from the very beginning and others are more recent acquaintances but they all have one thing in common.  They are great people and Amy and I are truly blessed to have them in our lives.

Kristy and Jack.  Jack smiling for the picture.

Jane smiles pretty for the camera.

Tarik and Alexa playing.

As the years progressed from that very first Christmas Party 29 years ago we all, hosts and guests alike, began our own families and in order to accommodate all we made it a tradition that our annual party would be a family party where children were welcome.  At some point during the evening Amy would sit at the piano and the guests would all join in for carols.  Now the honor of leading the crowd on the piano falls to our oldest, Katie, and its primarily the young adult friends of our kids that sing the carols.  At least the tradition continues.

Sara enjoying some holiday cheer.

As for young kids at the party, we still get a few as some of our newer friends and co-workers have started their families.

Landon admires the ornaments on the tree.

For the first time ever I asked the guests to gather around for a group shot and I want to thank them all for their ready cooperation.  Some knew that my motivation was a photo for this week's blog and I'm happy to share it with you all here.  I've also included a second shot below taken by my good friend, Rich, so that I could be in the shot as well.  This was quite a task for a Canon owning fellow photography enthusiast given that he had to use my Nikon for the shot.  Missing from the shot because they arrived only moments after it was taken are the Oleans and the Bells.  Dan O. wanted to do it again so he could be in it but once was enough.

Katie and her cousin Julia.

Kris listens intently.

After the guests left and Amy and I were catching our breath, I mentioned that if we can count each of those that attended our party amongst our friends then we are indeed blessed.  For as Clarence  writes to George at the end of that holiday favorite, "Remember, no man is a failure who has friends". Merry Christmas to all our wonderful friends!

For more pictures of the party check out this flickr album.

Doug and his friends enjoy the festivities.

Amy and Kristina singing carols.

Replacement group shot where I swap places with Rich.