Our Christmas

Another Christmas has come and gone! I cannot believe we have made it through another holiday season. It only reminds me of how blessed my husband and I are that we have so many family and friends to visit. I took a few days off for vacation and spent my entire holiday traveling. First, I went to southern Illinois and saw my Grandpa, aunts, unlces, and cousins. My dad's has 8 siblings and I think I last counted 28 first cousins on this side. Not everyone was there, but I had the opportunity to see everyone since my Grandma passed away last winter.

I drove up to my parents and hitched a ride (like the old days) while my Dad drove and my Mom navigated. Two of my three brothers were in the back with me and we slept and watched movies like we used to when I was at home. I think the only difference is how much taller we are compared to when we were little. I am now the one crammed in the far back, being that I am much shorter than my middle and youngest brothers. They offer me the front, but I feel bad seeing how much room their long legs have in the far back of my mom's mini van. Yes, it does look like a clown car with my "all legs" brothers.

John and Thomas when we drove to STL to see the family... we just finished a movie on a laptop

We have portable speakers and place the laptop on a pink stool from my parent's garage. Who needs built-in DVD players? This is old school!

After I got back from 4 days in St.Louis Jonathan and I went to my in-laws in Magnolia Springs, AL. The Nelson's live on the river and had a TON of rain. Once we unloaded the car we moved it to higher ground and it's a good thing we did. By the time we got back from church and Jonathan's Uncle's house the water had come over the slab and it was pouring! We stayed in the downstairs room and I had to sport the hubby's boots to get upstairs. You do what you have to do to get some home made egg nog!

Their Lab Zeke and I at the edge of the slab which is covered in water

In the foyer and I had to tuck my snowman pj's into the boots

My in-law's Cynthia and Craig enjoying a Christmas Eve nightcap

On Christmas morning we had breakfast with the Nelson's and opened gifts with his sister and her husband. Not even 24hrs in South Alabama and we left to head back to North Alabama to see my parents and brothers. Thank goodness Miss Cynthia gave us some homemade rolls because it is all we had to eat until we reached my parents house. I guess we forgot fast-food would be closed when we started driving 5 1/2 hours.

We finally arrive in Decatur with a major carb load from all the rolls and the Sunkist we drank (we packed a liter and chugged it once we got to Birmigham, we forgot we had it!)

Thomas, John, Me, and Jonathan

We are missing my brother Chris who is serving our country this Christmas

Jonathan wanted to do "Prom Pose" in front of the tree, but he got vetoed!

He wanted to take "celebrity pose" while he pretended to get an important call

My turn to "shake my present and look intrigued pose" everyone was telling me my face looks more excited than intrigued, but I couldn't stop lauging!!

It was a great Christmas and we are thrilled we were able to visit with both families. We always want to spend more time with the people we love, but are thankful for the time we have with them. Chris, we are sorry we were not able to spend Christmas with you, but cannot wait to celebrate when you come home. You are loved by so many people and we are grateful to our service men and women for giving us a wonderful gift... our freedom!

We miss you Chris

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year