Christmas Gathering

Even though we are somewhat scattered and don't get together as much as we used to, I am blessed with deep family roots and lots and lots of memories!  My grandparents were vital in instilling the love of tradition and the love of each other in all of us! We recently gathered for our family Christmas at my uncles in Meridian. I am happy to see a new generation that hopefully will carry on these traditions!  It's the little memories that will last a lifetime!

Maddie and Tyson-Maddie wasn't thrilled that most of the cousins were boys, but she and Tyson had a ball together!

Bob and Reed-Oh the Bob stories I can and do tell!!

London took a few spins around the den!

Taylor and Caleb

My aunt and uncle--Michael and Doris

My twin uncles-Michael and Gerald (Guess which one's my favorite!?! :)

Tucker and Trav-Their sweet dad is currently deployed and Bethany is home with three sweet little boys!

Hunter fending off the little ones!

Aunt Cassandra is the best!

The principal and the banker...........

Doris made a new friend!

These two had a few growing pains at first, but worked it out!

Three of my favorite people in the whole wide world!  Bethany, Adrian and Cassandra

Full tummies and happy hearts!

Blurry, but this the only picture I got of Matthew and Jenna.

Lillian and London hiding from the boys!

It would have been easier to herd a group of cats than get a good picture of this crew!

Lindsey and Josh weren't able to be there, because they were doing this in 42 degree weather!  They raised money to send a camper to Camp ASCAA, and this was their reward!

 The best things in life are the people we love, the places we've been and the memories we've made along the way!

Number Two Down

In Pop's words, "We've got a hunter."  Maddie has gone hunting many times with Pop over the last few years.  He has spent a lot of time teaching her where to shoot the deer, and he has always been adamant that it must be a bigger deer.  I found drawings of a pig and deer that he used to show her where to aim in order to get the best shot. Obviously, she's been paying attention. She has fired her new rifle two times and killed two deer.  This was a six point that weighed 182 pounds.  This one also headed to the processing plant shortly after these pictures were taken.

Good job!  I think they may be aiming for a pig next time.

Hunting Buddies!!

 We headed to the field as soon as we got the call!  Lillian and Reed were super proud.  One of  Reed's favorite things is to put a deer in the back of the Ranger or truck.

I can't believe this one wanted her picture taken with it!  At first she said she would go hunting when she was five.  Then, she decided she'd wait until she was six! I'll believe it when I see it!!

And Uncle C got a special ride in the Christmas parade this year!!

Lillian's Day

Pop and I loaded up bright and early to head to Alex City for Lillian's Christmas program.  I love EVERYTHING about Christmas-shopping (online), cooking,  gingerbread houses, Christmas cards, church services, family togetherness, and more!  But, the one thing I love the most is experiencing it through the eyes of my grandchildren. I love the wonder and watching as they discover the real meaning of Christmas!

Let Heaven and Nature Sing!  This precious group of 4 year olds sang their little hearts out!!

Go Tell It on the Mountain!! 

Santa Claus is coming to town!!  At the end of the program, Santa swooped in and took this little one off for a candy cane!

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!  Rides on the Polar Express were the best!!  This smile could move mountains!!

Merry and Bright!! Maddie and Reed were able to join in the fun!

For unto us a child is born!!  

Walking in a Winter Wonderland!

You better watch out, you better not pout! Ho! Ho! Ho!

All Aboard! These three got to ride on the Polar Express, too!

Dear Santa........

Tradition and cheer and good tidings we bring, to celebrate the birth of  Jesus our King!!

Christmas Fun

I'm actually going backwards with this post.  Before the gymnastics meet, we had a little fun with the little ones.  They actually came home with Pop and I the day before.  We met Josh, Lindsey and Maddie at the mall for a little fun with Santa and his train.   Then we played on the playground before the meet.  Also, for the 26th year, we made our gingerbread houses.  It's just not Christmas until the houses are made.  Caleb and Taylor were out of town, but completed theirs when they got back.

Telling the Big Guy all about it!  Reed didn't look too excited, but there were no tears, so we consider that a win!

All aboard!!

Cutest little monkey ever!!

Love this precious stinker!

So much fun!!

Reed's first house!

Lindsey's clock tower

Josh



Maddie-Check out that cute Santa!

Lillian's rainbow house

The picture does not do Reed's nativity scene justice.  He is really creative.




Nana's house and tree

 

Taylor's doghouse

 

And Caleb's lighthouse

Our Village-This is one tradition that I hope we will always continue!  It's messy and time consuming, but oh so much fun! 

 Working hard! I'm going backwards again!  Just a few shots of everyone hard at work!

Supervising!



Just a couple of tastes!

Making memories!