Christmas 2011

Having so many extensions of family is a blessing and a challenge, but every year we seem to figure out how to all pull together for a week of gatherings, celebration and fun.

It all started at Dad and Patti's with a family Christmas there...and it was no surprise that Carson was mesmerized by his Uncle Tim's antics.


Next, Christmas Eve with Derek's family, including Andrea and Chris, who were home from Nashville. Marvin did his sweet and VERY important reading of the Story of Christmas, helping the kids to remember that the meaning of Christmas is not just about Santa Claus!


That night we went home and Ella made two notes: one to Santa, asking all about his pets, and another for Carson, which she taped to his chest. My guess is that this was less of a bullying tactic and more of a ploy to persuade Santa into bringing twice the baby dolls that night.


On Christmas morning, our parents all came over to see Carson's big surprise...a new train table!


We all had a nice lunch and said our goodbyes until the next day, when we'd gather in Lexington for the big family Christmas on the 26th.

While it took us 5 hours to get to Lex that day, it was all worth it - great to see everyone, celebrate the holiday, honor Papa's 70th birthday, and pose for a shot in all our lovely Christmas sweaters, thanks Mimi :)





Hey, you can't say we didn't have the Christmas Spirit, right?
Cheers!