A Valley Christmas

Every December we head to Lanett to celebrate an early Christmas with the Bennett side of the family. It is definitely one of the highlights of our holiday, and one of my girls favorite parts of Christmas. They love getting to stay at the Round Up, seeing Jack & Claire and all their cousins and riding the Merry Go Round. This year was no exception. We were so thankful that it didn't rain this year.

Our trip didn't begin on the best foot. We went to eat Mexican food at El Rio with B's aunt Carolyn and his uncle Rick. Everything was fine as we sat there listening to the rather loud group from the Kia plant celebrate Christmas while we waited for our drinks. Well, we finally got chips and then it happened. Annie puked on the table. I should have known that she was congested which means I need to limit her milk consumption. That and it might have been a good idea to break up her chips so that she didn't choke. So, I scooped Annie up and we headed to Wal-Mart to get her a new outfit and to get me a new shirt. I was so exhausted and desperately wanted to talk to my mom. However, she was at the staff Christmas party I was missing that night. Fortunately, I got in touch with my SIL Mandy and my BF Karen. They were both so sweet and let me fuss.

Brian took the girls to Merry Go Round on Saturday afternoon. He gave me a break so that I could run to Auburn with his mom to pick up gifts for his small group at church. The break was nice. :) Everyone except Mollie loved the Merry Go Round! Mollie wasn't too excited. She was super hungry and was trying to come down with a cold. Ellie and Annie loved it though much to their daddy's pleasure.

Ellie was so excited to be on the Merry Go Round and to ride all by herself.

Annie and Daddy on the Merry Go Round.

Saturday evening, we headed to Brian's cousin Rhonda's for Christmas. We love being all together. This year was especially meaningful. Sandy, Mr. Arthur's sister and B's aunt, has been very, very sick this last year. She is on hospice, but she is able to be at home which is a blessing. It was very hard to see her and to see the struggle she has. BUT, it was so good to see her and all of us be together again.

We had our traditional chili supper. It's fun to see the big kids. When I first joined the family, the youngest boys were about 4 and 6 years old. Now, the youngest boys are 14 and 16 years old. The oldest boys are in the early 20's and a junior in high school. They are turning into such fine young men. Anyway, after dinner, we settled in to watch Cam Newton accept the Heisman trophy. I thought it was a fitting way for this Auburn family to celebrate Christmas. We did take time to let the kids open their presents...

Hanging out before dinner.

After dinner, the kids used the table as a fort.

Mollie LOVED the Disney Princess baby doll center (not sure what to call it) that Krista and Eddie gave her.

Opening gifts - Mass Chaos and it is great!

I love Tyler and Trevor in the background being so cool about everything. Sandy was so sweet. It was great to see her.

Yes, this Auburn family watched ESPN all night to see Cam Newton receive the Heisman.

Mollie and her cousin Claire LOVED the cupcakes they had for dessert.

Sweet Annie....life is good...she got two new baby dolls.