Christmas in Georgia

What would the holidays be without a trip down south? Chuck and I were only off the Friday before and the Monday after Christmas so it was a quick trip. And because the majority of our family all live in the same area, we hop from house to house trying to visit them all. Chuck's siblings were home visiting as well so we were excited to get to spend some time with them. Our kids had so much fun they didn't want to leave... so they are still there:)

I'll be spending the next several days de-Christmasing our house... putting away decorations and all the new toys, clothes, and goodies, unpacking, and cleaning.  I am so thankful for how our family continues to bless us each year, for their love and encouragement, and for teaching us the importance of family. I know how quickly things can change...

Suzanne, Mama, Me, Lynn, and Lisa

These ladies mean the world to me. Sometimes we get on each others nerves and whine and complain, sometimes we are "matchers" and other times we laugh til we cry. I love them to pieces and I'm thankful to have these visits with my Mom and sisters.

Todd, Scott F., Chuck, and Scott L.

These dudes are pretty cool too:) When you get us all together, you are in for a show! I think this may be the only picture ever taken of all the brother-in-laws together?

No, I'm not trying to be morbid but this is my Daddy's grave. This is a place I visit when I'm home that's different from all the rest. Here is where I'm given the opportunity to reflect without distractions and give thanks to God for the eternal home He has prepared for us. Holidays just aren't the same without my Daddy...

So that's why we take every opportunity to see the ones we love. To share with them what the Lord is doing in our lives and love on them while we can. Each day is a gift and an opportunity to show love. Unselfish love. Unconditional love. Lord help us to love as you love!

And speaking of love, the kids loved the gifts they got from family and were so excited and thankful... even for clothes:) You know, boys never want clothes. They want cool toys and games. They got both! We literally were loaded down with "stuff" when we headed home on Monday!

Harry Potter Lego set. Wonder how long til the pieces get lost?

Nat with some lip gloss. Watch out!

Evan got a Nebraska t-shirt. Our Wilcox Co. friends will understand why!!

Getting ready for a round of Five Crowns. Noah quit half way through the game. We are still working on "sportsmanship."

Sportin' her new pink jacket. I guess she's ready for some NC snow.

Evan got lasagna?

No food... just a sneaky gift wrapping by Chuck! A new 1st baseman's mit instead!

Natalie loved having Uncle Adam help her with her ballerina costume

She also got in on the card playing action.

Nat and Noah were so sweet to bring their own gifts for me and Chuck... items from around the house and pictures they colored, wrapped especially by themselves!

The cool candy cane Noah made...

And what is Christmas without a whoopie cushion in your stocking?

Flying paper... Noah's usual way of unwrapping!

Our Disney trip was part of Christmas this year so what better for Nat than a set of 7 Disney Princess Barbies!

And a barbie vacation house

Evan got a framed collage with photos from the Super Bowl at Disney.

And a new cell phone...

Natalie is now a new Mom to a Baby Alive. She's the teething doll who we've also nicknamed Vampire Baby... LOL

Noah got not 1 but 2 remote control vehicles!

And the teenagers would rather play with their ipods...

And so, another Christmas has come and gone in a flash. I could post dozens more photos of kids and gifts but I won't. You already get the idea... we had lots of fun and lots of laughs. I love our time with family! Hope you enjoyed Christmas with yours as well...