"He went to Jared!"

Well, I don't know if he went to Jared, but Chad did surprise Robin with a dachshund puppy sporting an engagement ring on his little collar on Christmas morning! Chad has had the ring for about a month...probably trying to come up with the perfect proposal. We are all so happy to welcome Chad into our family!

More photos from Family Christmas

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Family Christmas in Texas

Our annual Wendel/Rioux Family Christmas was hosted by the Waters family and held at Carolyn and Brent's home. Almost everyone was able to attend this year, including Jason, who had sent the feeble excuse that he was in Guatemala. A. J. and Natalie actually came and brought little Mallie who was barely two weeks old. Judy had to work, so she wasn't able to come. Elliott wasn't able to attend either...I think it had something to do with finals. Of course, we wish that Jamie, Ginia, Thea and Nate could be with us, but that's pretty unlikely...especially with the little ones approaching school age.

The weather was very nice so the kids were able to play outside. In fact, it was so bright that sunglasses were needed to keep from being blinded by the sun. We gathered under the carport when it was time to sing carols and the video above shows that in all the years we have been meeting...27 years, I think...we haven't improved much, although we've certainly added many new voices. By my quick calculations, Arleene and Bill and Virginia and A.J. are responsible for a total of 7 children, 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren with 2 more great-grandchildren on the way. I hope I didn't leave anyone out!

Our final song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas," continues to be imperfect. Since the year that Virgie, Patricia, Janie and I teamed up to sing "five golden rings," (and were so terrible) we've been very deliberate in sitting well away from each other. I just wish we had a video of that year! When it was our turn to sing we stood up proudly and each of us loudly sang in a different key. I think that was the funniest rendition of the finale during all the years.