Friends - the family we choose for ourselves

If you read my blog on a regular basis, you know that I have been trying desperately to get caught up on my posts. This is the final post about our Christmas. (I know everyone is thrilled)All in all, we had 4 Christmas celebrations. It's kind of amazing now to think that we got to have Christmas 4 times! No wonder, my kids were bouncing off the walls. ha!!

Our final Christmas was delayed due to illness, but God was gracious and allowed us to celebrate over New Year's weekend. For the past few years, we have celebrated with the Luttrells and the Segars. Karen, Tammy and I are very close. I am so thankful for the ladies. They are amazing friends. I don't know what I would do without them! I hate that Karen is living in Tyler, but I am so thankful that she is only 4 1/2 hours away.

Karen, Tammy and I on New Year's Eve.

We celebrated on New Year's night. What fun!! Jeff grilled chicken for us - yummy!! We had a blast visiting and laughing and watching the kids have a great time.

Britt and Annie

Mollie, Ellie, Kasey and Blake - These kids had a blast! It is so fun to watch them play and to listen to them laugh.

Not quite sure how Haley missed the first round of pictures. She is growing up so fast!!

Karen, Anna, Alli, Tammy, Britt and me

We spent the day shopping and trying to take advantage of some girl time and a few sales! It was so fun!! Notice, Allie and I have matching t-shirts. We must note that Auburn brought home a victory at their bowl game!!

Robert and James -- poor guy, the kids call him Baby James. We decided he will be 18 and still be "Baby James." ha!

The twinks - Alli and Anna

The kids were beside themselves waiting for presents.

Annie had a great time with "Big Jeff"

TaTa and the babies - James & Annie

The evening was so much fun that Annie crashed!

We had a great weekend just being together. Yes, we shopped a lot! ha! I love having my friends around me. It was fun to relax, to celebrate Christmas and birthdays and to just be together. While we were together, Karen and I celebrated her birthday, we finally were able to give Haley her birthday gift, Ellie got her gift from Kasey (her best friend) and we were able to celebrate Kasey's birthday. What fun!! When our visits are over, I am always so sad. I hate that we go from everything being "normal" to being the "new normal." However, I wouldn't trade our friendship for the world! I am truly blessed!