Peters' Lunch

We had a day to catch our breath, and then my in-laws came up New Year's Eve to babysit for us.  Such a blessing, as I probably would not have gotten a sitter.  We had plans to go to dinner and a movie and decided instead to just stay longer at dinner and catch up.  The next day all the Peters' on Mary Beth's side of the family came over to hang out for New Year's Day.

The older Justin gets, the more we say he is built like a Peters.  To be more exact, he is built like his cousin Mason, though he might be a wee but taller.  Almost like a blend on this photo - Ryan and Mason put together into one.  Only the Lord knows, though it is fun to think what it will all end up to be.

The aunts brought gifts, which we busted out and played with.  Keyea, Kailey, and Joseph played some Toy Story Memory with the J man.

Joseph indulged Justin in some football.

As well as some good ole playtime on the swing set.  Joseph has always been the youngest cousin on this side, so it was fun to watch him be the older cousin as roles have reversed.  I love how sweet ALL of our older/young cousins are with my son.

When Mason wasn't part of the football action, bringing back memories of high school football, he was literally jumping the fence to get a stray ball.

I think Joseph needs some more swingset time.

All the fellas.  Tom pointed out that every one was sitting in a father/son pattern.  Ha - didn't even occur to me.  We were only missing Chris and Konnor in this photo (and Alissa), but Florida was too far a drive for a day trip.

The ladies were having too much fun to pose.  Apparently every one thought it was funnier than I.  Loosen up there, Shani.

We managed to calm down for some smiles.  The Lord blessed us which such beautiful weather that morning and enabled all of us to sit outside most of the day.

One of the things I threw at these West Texas kin was something I had over Christmas.  My mom served us an avocado bar, which you top your avocado half with sour cream, salsa, bacon, and cheese. 

Justin, the oldest daily napper out there, took a nap and we got a photo of the cousins.

Toss in the wifey as well.

Post nap there was more football to be had.  We busted out the new football and football flags from Papa and had game on.

It was Grandpa and Justin versus Derek and Ryan.

Lots of coaching was going on.

Lots of aggressive play as well.

Justin's favorite, kicking.

Even some secret plays.

The four Michaelis football players.

Lots of fun that evening, and once again wonderful weather.

I wish this photo had turned out better, but I always love a good hand shake.

Lastly, Justin wanted to try on some of his father's old baseball gear.

Just in time for t-ball to start.  More on that many posts down the road...

This ended our wonderful round of families over the holidays.  All of the Peters had not been together like this since Thanksgiving 2 years ago at our house.  We need to be more purposeful in getting together in the future, especially after watching Justin with the big kids.