Christmas in Georgia 2011

We had the best time getting to see our families over Christmas.  First was the big Gender Reveal party on the 22nd and afterwards getting to spend time with Matthew's grandmother, VV, before she headed back to Pine Mtn.  After that, we stayed with my mom and stepfather, Paul, in Kathleen for a few days.  Matthew went hunting with his dad and good friend, Andrew, while I lounged in PJs watching movies with mom and Paul and got some last minute wrapping and shopping done.  We went to their church's Christmas Eve service, opened up our presents that same night, had a delicious Christmas Eve dinner, and played a very fun game of Quelf.

On Christmas day, we bounced over to Macon to see my dad and stepmother, Mary Alice, and to eat a delicious Christmas morning breakfast and open presents.  It was so great getting that down time with dad and Mary Alice just getting to be together and catch up. We then headed back to Perry for Christmas lunch (lots of eating going on!) and opening presents with the Hillises.  Becky was able to come, too, and it was a really fun time of all just being together as family.  After spending some time in Perry, we headed back to Macon where my bro and sis-in-law, Christine, would be arriving with our three precious nieces.  We got to spend time with cousins, aunts and uncles who all came over to visit.  Taking Charlotte to the playground was a lot of fun as well as playing with Lily Kate and Emma.  Catching up and lounging around with my sister and brother was just like old times.  And their three girls always bring the party!

After some time in Macon, we headed back to Perry for more time with the Hillises.  I got to see some sweet friends from high school and college as did Matthew. On the 29th, we and the Hillises all flew to Colorado for another week of family time and adventures.

*Highlights with nieces: Emma getting into purple marker and drawing a really cute mustache and button nose onto her face; Me sneaking some of my stocking candy Twizzlers to the girls before bedtime and Lily waking up with it all in her hair; Charlotte taking her first bike ride and sort of biting the dust but then saying, "Let's do that again!"

Mom and Paul on Christmas Eve

My mama, me, and baby

Paul opening his presents from us

Mama with her new mug and cider fixins

My mom loves to get me an outfit each year with matching jewelry; and I love it, too!

Matthew with his new Coldplay CD

Matthew and his Amazon wish list request.  I may never fully understand his brain, but I love it :).

My dad excited about his new tennis strategy book

Mary Alice opening up her picture of our little one and new bakeware

Matthew looking like a scary elf and his dad figuring out a contraption

Athens is still her sweet, loving self, and passed out from all the excitement

Becky and her precious pup, Oliver

Matthew's mom, Carla, and me

Becky not too sure about her new foot massager

Dad with Emma (7 mos) and Charlotte (3 yrs)

Charlotte after playing pretend (going to the store :) with Aunt Mallory

That is my husband, not a large child.  No wait...

Uncle Matthew and Charlotte on the slide

Dad pushing Charlotte and the boys having some fun on the swingset

OK so we are all big kids here :)

Me, my dad, and my big brother, Russ

Charlotte and I playing in the backseat on the way home

Cousins come over for more presents and family time.  Here's Jes helping Charlotte unwrap her new nativity set.

Dad and Lily watching Charlotte try out her new tricycle

Charlotte learning to ride a bike with mommy and daddy

Mary Alice and Lily having fun outside

The family and the fence that's lasted over 20 years but has just about seen its last day.  Guess that's what years of playing wall ball and using the fence as a backboard will do...

Curious Lily Kate

This shot captures each of our nieces personalities.  Charlotte is quietly pondering and figuring out her new fairytale storyboard set.  Lily is taking over Emma's toy while simultaneously taking over Charlotte's and sporting what has been referred to as her 'Courtney Love' hairdo.  Emma is probably looking for something to chew on.  I love these girls so much!

Final day of the visit with Lauren, Jenny and Amy at the Fish N Pig - best restaurant in Macon!  Jenny, Amy and I have been friends since 5th grade, and Lauren and Matthew went to high school together.