Nearly one month later...Christmas 2011

 For me, Christmas always starts with Christmas Eve at Grana's!!

 

 Everyone loves and looks up to Grana.

 Grana's traditional Christmas program - full of faith, truth, and words of wisdom!  Here she is asking them how much Jesus and the real meaning of Christmas is talked about in school.

 This year, Christmas Day was on a Sunday.  I loved starting the day worshiping and honoring the only gift that really matters.  Tina, Tonya, me, and their families surprised Papa at his church.  It was fun!!  Afterwards, we headed over to Papa and Grandma's for lunch, just like we have every year.  (I love traditions!)

For the first time, this picture lets me see that Tina does look a little like Dad.

 We measured last year and he wasn't quite as tall as Matt.  This year he passed him!

 After lunch at Papa and Grandma's, we go home, recharge, and reload with presents to celebrate at Mom and Dad's.

Garrett's favorite team.

Abby loves hands-on activities, so Tinker toys seemed like a perfect choice. 

He's not afraid to let you know...he can dance!!

 Jacob has always loved Transformers.

 I could hardly wait for her to open this!  It arrived in October!!  Garrett did a great job of keeping the secret, too.

 Chase got a new chair.  He may never come out of his room now!

 Gotta love something to keep your purse organized!

 I LOVE my new gray purse!  It goes with absolutely everything!!

 A new light for her recently remodeled kitchen!

 An airsoft gun so he can play with the boys!

 Look what I found in my stocking!  Does my momma know me or what?

 Trying the weaponry...I believe Garrett was declared the winner!

 My family loves to play games!  We ended the day playing a new game Mom got.  While I'd love to share the hilarious, slightly embarrassing pictures that were taken during game play, I would not be happy if someone posted the ones of me, so I'm not going to post any of anyone else...for now.  :)

Abby played with her Tinker toys forever.  Look at this bird she built!  She's so creative!!!

 I'm so thankful for another holiday with a healthy, happy family!!

 

New Year's Eve

Spent with some of my favorite people! 

Dinner at Mexican Villa and then bowling.  There was some late night Rummikub, too.

 Too bad these are all the pictures I have.  :(  My camera battery died!

I also rang in the New Year saying, "So long!" to these loved ones!  They're headed to sunny Florida for all that Disney World can offer!!

Christmas Day 2010

Dad, Mom, and I start Christmas Day off by dropping in on the kiddos to see what Santa left them.  They were so excited to show us new bikes, ipods, an Xbox and new TV, puppies, and Star Wars movies.  There’s nothing quite like sharing the excitement of Christmas with little ones!  After our drop ins, we head over to Papa and Grandma’s to visit before the chaos begins.

Look who’s sporting a pair of new coveralls! And duct tape, too! (If you only knew why…)

I love this gift GayeAnn got Papa.  This little book has 200 questions for Papa to answer about himself and his life.  He’s supposed to answer one a day and then share with the rest of us.  I can’t wait to hear what he’s written.  My Papa is the best storyteller around!  Now, if we could only find a way to record all of his stories…

These sweet boys worked hard to make everyone pot holders for Christmas!  I don't think they'll ever know how sweet it was.

 Papa reading the Christmas story.

 In the words of Garrett and Ethan, "It's time for the feast!"  Grandma and Papa outdid themselves!!

 Abby and Kenley - Abby just didn't understand why Kenley didn't love her animals as much as she did!

Lunch was pushed back a bit this year, so Christmas Day was a little different for us.  Usually we leave Papa and Grandma’s and head right over to Mom and Dad’s to start opening presents.  This year, we took a couple of hours for everyone to go home, relax, and of course, play with new toys.  I can’t believe the difference this made.  Our Christmas is usually so rushed, but this year it was laid back and we got to take our time.  It was wonderful!

Some of the many gifts – I couldn’t get them all!

Dad’s opening the chair we got him.  He didn’t ask for it, but we know he’ll put it to good use when he and Mom go to Brushy Creek.

 New Xbox games.  I promise he was really excited – even if it didn’t show in this picture.

Hmm – wonder if she’ll wear that when she's in New York…

New interactive book

A helicopter!

A beautiful new bracelet

When I was little and we opened presents at Papa and Grandma’s, everyone had their “spot”.  They sat at that same spot each and every year.  I’m just realizing we don’t do that.  You know me and tradition.  I may have to suggest that next year. :)

Lovin’ my pot holders – made with colors perfectly picked out just for me!

Poor, Tina.  Mom tricked her earlier.  Here she is opening her real present.  I think it’s obvious how surprised she is!

Ahh, a new desk!  It was just about the only thing on her Christmas List.  Bless her heart she had to wait all day to get it!  The chair was under the tree, but she had to play a game of "Hot and Cold" to find it.

 Oh, yes, eating again!

 I've been working on putting old family videos onto DVD's.  We watched a few I had finished!

Later we tried out Garrett's new Monopoly game.  I'm in love with it!  That could be because I bankrupt everyone, but it really was fun!!

The whole day was wonderful!  It seemed longer and sweeter than any other year!  Thank you, Lord, for the gift of family!!