Yes, we’re still here! It’s been a whirlwind Christmas, with our trip to NC from the 26th-30th. Once home, we launched into our version of wintertime “spring cleaning”, packing up decorations, making an end-of-year drop off to charity, and re-organizing a little for the new year. We welcomed 2009 by shooting off some fireworks in the backyard, watching Kung Fu Panda, and then the ball drop at Times Square on TV.Â
I tried to keep the number of pictures down, but failed miserably. You might want to grab a snack and settle in…
Christmas morning…The traditional picture of the kids waiting for the “green light” to run into the family room. Lainey had no clue.Â
Guitar Hero World Tour…rock on.Â
A book in my stocking!
It was just what she wanted!
She looks happy, eh?
Mayhem…in a good way.
Air soft guns for Randy…Um…I mean the boys.Â
Lainey liked her crawl through tube!
Bright and early the next morning, we head to NC…
Lainey and Granma (D’s mom)
We had lunch at my parents house, with my dad’s whole family…it had been years since I’d seen most of them, so that was a treat. This is my Uncle Mike, Aunt Gail, dad, and Uncle Billy.Â
My sweet grandmom with some of her great-grandchildren…our kids plus my cousin Stephanie’s girls Ally and Avery.Â
Grandmom and Lainey have a deep discussion. Lainey kept taking her walker…isn’t that sweet?
A drive across town and we’re at Randy’s brother’s house with HIS family this time. This is Randy’s cousin Hope and me (thankfully, I don’t look as tired as I was!)
The sisters…Randy’s mom, Aunt Thelma, and Aunt Mary. Â
You’d think Lainey would have been wiped out by now, but she was going strong…
Hanging out with our cousins
The next day…at Randy’s mom’s house. Caleb and Lainey play all the time.Â
All 11 cousins…from just Randy and his brother.Â
Switching gears again…opening presents at Nana and Paw Paw’s house (Randy’s dad and step-mom)Â
We gave each of the grandparents and R’s siblings ornaments that we brought back from China…here, Lainey helps Paw Paw hang up theirs.Â
New Years Eve…the big kids watch the bigger kid shoot off fireworks.
Cool shot!
Nice shot of our tree, from the back patio.
Little Lainey slept in the new year…Happy 2009!
January 5th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
I am worn out from seeing all of your holiday activity! I can only imagine how worn out you must have been! Still it looks like you had a wonderful time celebrating with family and creating memories! Happy 2009!
January 5th, 2009 at 9:58 pm
Wow! You had a busy and wonderful holiday!!! Looks like everyone was happy, healthy, and enjoying the family time.
We got Rock Band this year which is similar to Guitar Hero World tour. It’s been a favorite as well. I’m sure your kids are enjoying it.
Love all the pictures of family while on your journey. The New Years photos are the best. Got to blow stuff up, mom. That’s usually what I hear but this year, the kids went to friends houses instead. :-)
But Lainey in her crib at night is my favorite picture of all.
Happy New Year!!
January 6th, 2009 at 1:29 am
It looks VERY busy, but lovely! I’m glad you had such a nice holiday. I was the same as Lainey to ring in the new year. WIthout the crib part….:-)
January 6th, 2009 at 10:13 am
Looks like fun! Happy New Year!
January 11th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
It took me awhile to reply, but here I am! Loved ALL the photos…you covered your trip very well!! We enjoyed your visit, althought it was short, as usual! Our family lunch/party turned out really well!! I got the pictures back from Walmart and they’re good….will mail some to you soon. The fireworks photo…YIKES!! You could probably win a photo contest with that!! Also, your tree looks gorgeous in the window from the back porch!! Aw, Lainey slept thru ’08 to ’09!! I probably would have if we hadn’t gone to Lyn and Debbie’s party!! Happy New Year…a little late…:) Love you guys!! Mom & Dad