Morgan Family Traditions

We have a tradition in my family that started with my grandparents. Each Christmas they would bring out "The Christmas Pie." It was a large pot filled with presents. Each present had a string attached to it. The pot had a large piece of wrapping paper covering over the top, and all the strings were poking out of the top. We'd each get a string, and say the little nursery rhyme "Little Jack Horner, sat in a corner eating his Christmas pie. He stuck in his thumb, and pulled out a plum and said what a good boy am I." As soon as it says "pulled out a plum" we'd tug on our string and pull out a present. My parents have incorporated that tradition into their family. They get a present of all siblings/spouses and all 21 grandchildren. That's 36 presents small enough to fit in a bin! This year it was done in shifts. It's such a fun tradition, one that I distinctly remember as a child. It's fun that my children will have the same memory.




This is Joyce and Stu's little boy Jake. He made his way into a box and was having a blast. He is such a good little boy. There were so many times this week I'd look at him and get "misty eyed." I wonder if it will be that way his whole life. The poor kid is going to hate visiting us. Anytime he shows up we all surround him and smile and get cheesy. He gets mauled! We all want to hold him and squeeze him and especially kiss him. He is so sweet, how could we not? It's so nice to have him in our lives. What a blessing, and miracle to have him in our family. He brings so much joy! Stu was such a sport to come to a lot of family stuff with us. I'm sure it was really tough to be around us all, but it was sure nice to have him there. It makes us feel like Joyce is with us.




Parker was born in the middle of a Morgan baby boom! There were seven babies born within a year of our family, so we tried to get a picture of all seven of them at the cabin. Unfortunately Emery (Joan's baby) was taking a nap, and Jake was so wasted he fell asleep mid picture. So here are six of the seven (all six are boys!).


From left to right: Nate (Eric & Katie's) Ben (Brian & Julie's) Jake (Joyce & Stu's) Parker (us), Will (Steve & Mandy's), Andy (Carrie & Jason's), and Brooke (the oldest Grandchild (Roger & Susan's). Not pictured, Emery (Joan & Chad's)