On a mild Christmas Eve afternoon, Kathy's brother Jay and his wife Val once again hosted their annual Batz Family

Christmas Celebration!

This is probably the longest running tradition in our family - with the origins of this gathering going back at least 30 years - though much, much longer in Valerie's family. 

Sadly, Kathy was ill and couldn't make it, and Brett kindly volunteered to stay home and keep an eye on her.  In addition, Batz brother Gary couldn't make it as he was hobbled as well.  But everyone else got there early and stayed late and ate and laughed.   

Host Jay & Val's kids, Jameson and Jayson, were front and center.  Val's Mom Shirley was kept busy with her grandchildren.

Jameson & Lane with their brood of 5 charmed everyone.  Jayson and Meghan had their little Mason on debut - and he couldn't have been better.  

Jan, Kelsey, Corey and Belle, were there.  From the Johnson side, Bryan, Sabrina, Thor & Ashton were there, along with Ben, Jordan, Cal and Addison - making her adorable premiere.  Brad was there along with - The Life Of All Parties - Tina!

Biggest news of the evening was the announcement that Meghan and Jayson are expecting their second child this coming July.   Look at the video below to see how the gender of Baby Batz was revealed!  It was AWESOME!

• click here for all the pictures
• click here for video of the Big Announcement
• click here for short video snippet of Gift Opening  

Part of the charm of this event is the fact that the fare served is similar from year to year.  Anchored with a Country Ham, Potato Sausage, Swedish Meatballs, Jameson's Mac'n Cheese, Jan's Deviled Eggs & Baked Beans, & Kathy's Cheesy Potatoes & Almond Jello - it is a Culinary Explosion! 

One of the highlights of the evening was the opening of gifts by all the kids.   They were just beside themselves with excitement.  As you can see left, Ashton was pretty bored with his gifts.

All too quickly, the night had flown by...  The gifts were opened, the dessert table was severely violated, and the little ones were starting to flag a bit with all the excitement.  Time to call it a Nite.....

 Thanks Jay & Val For a great night!

Thanks be to God for blessing us with this family! 

Christ Our Saviour is Born!   Christ Our Saviour is born! 

 

Visit www.rickyjohn.com for more about our family!