Hondorp Christmas party

It doesn't get much more ostentatious than this - the Hondorp Christmas party. Regardless of our venue (and I won't tell you where, just in case it makes all you "have-nots" feel jealous), we had a grand time, catching up, receiving a few gifts from Grandma, and, of course, eating. We were also able to meet the newest addition to the Hondorp family, Max, born in early October, the son of Joel's cousin Tim and his wife Donna.

The newest (and best looking) Hondorp, Max!

Besides all of that, my favorite part is how we no longer exchange useless $10 gifts, but instead put money into a pot, along with our favorite charity into another pot. We then have one person pull out the winning charity who'll receive all the cash that we collected. This year, the charity that Joel and I chose, won. Woo Woo! I was ecstatic as this charity, Pregnancy Resource Center, means a lot to me. No, they won't be able to bank-roll their entire staff from the Hondorp Family contribution, but every little bit helps. I urge you to check out this charity and give if you can. I've had the privilege to do a little work for this organization and see how people's lives are touched and changed through this organization - they have an incredible mission.

Grandma Hondorp with all her great-grand children

You're looking at Emma's best bud in the entire world - her cousin Nathan

Sorry Nathan - there is pain involved in Emma's love

a wrestle hold - how Emma shows her love to Nathan