The Epic Christmas Blog 2011

The Epic Christmas blog has pretty much become a tradition, so I wouldn't dare break it now.

So.....Here we go!

Christmas was stretched into several weeks this year because of various family members traveling and such.  We kicked off Christmas Festivities with Cory's family.  Cory was able to meet us at his parents house for the weekend, after a week of his job training.  The kids were so anxious to get to Nana and Poppy's and to see Daddy!!

Here are pictures from the weekend:

 More Donuts Please!

 We went to the Christmas Festival Parade

 Back at Nana and Poppy's, Eli and Mason go for the same toy

 Cute little Baby Mason

 Nothing like an Ipad to bring a family together. LOL

After the weekend, we got to go with Cory to Ft. Worth for a week!

While we were there, we made a gingerbread house in our hotel room

 The kids and I spent the mornings out and then we'd hang in the hotel until daddy got back.

 We spent a little time downtown, a place we loved when we were there for Seminary

 We got back home, just in time to celebrate with my family.  My sister-in-law was going to be traveling to Texas, so we met up early to exchange gifts.

There is my tree with the gifts. 

Baby Jamie and PawPaw

 GiGi and Landry

 Later that night, the kids and I went to our church's live nativity and musical.  The kids really enjoyed seeing the scenes this year.  Landry could understand so much better than last year.

That week, Landry had her school Christmas Program.  I posted a video of her singing in an earlier post. She was phenomenal!

 Landry with her sweet teachers, Mrs. Brandi and Mrs. Julie

Next, we headed to GiGi and PawPaw's House.  Cory was able to meet us for the weekend. I didn't even tell the kids he was going to be there.  Their expressions, when they saw him, were priceless!!!  I wish I had captured it, but I was driving.

While we were there, my mom initiated a "snowball fight".  Oh Boy, the kids had fun!  Everyday afterward, Eli would try to initiate a snowball fight of his own.

Santa also made an early stop to our house so Daddy wouldn't miss it

And, what do you know?  I made it into some pictures

While we were at GiGi and PawPaws, some special friends dropped in for a visit.  We all had a ball!

And so we arrive at Christmas morning.  I wanted to make it all about Christ, which was easier since we had already opened all the gifts.  The kids decorated cupcakes and made a special card

We read the Christmas Story and Sang Praise Songs.  It was a very special morning.

That evening, we headed back to Natchitoches to Nana and Poppy's house.  

Three adorable Baby Grands waiting to open presents!

 Guess what one of Eli's was.  ;)  Aunt Charlotte seems to be impressed!

And finally, we have come to the end of this Epic Christmas Blog.  I hope you read it in small chunks to keep from exhausting yourself.  I feel so accomplished to have finished, now I can move on to the dishes :/