More Christmas and Family Time

Saturday, December 25th, was a day we were planning to spend with Meme and Papa out on the homestead. Chris's sister and her family were also planning to be there, and we were looking forward to a day with family. However, Bren went to bed not feeling well on Christmas Eve, and woke up with a fever of 103 on Christmas morning. Chris and I decided that I would stay home with him while Chris and the girls forged ahead with going to Meme and Papa's house. But first, I wanted a family photo!

Christmas Day, 2021

Chris and the girls got out to the homestead about 11:00am. I had asked Chris to be sure and take a few photos of their time out there, and a few is exactly what I received, ha!

Gift opening with Meme after lunch

Brooke modeling the hat she got from Papa

Who knows what Brooke was doing here . . . always the life of the party :-).

Meanwhile, Bren slept most of the morning and into the afternoon. When he woke up, he and I decided to work on his new Lego puzzle he got from us for Christmas. He didn't last too long before he felt tired and wanted to lay down again. He watched a movie for most of the afternoon while I continued working on the puzzle. 

On Monday, December 27th, our Tennessee family arrived in Oklahoma, and we all celebrated Christmas together on Tuesday, December 28th. Jeremy had the idea that we should all wear flannel in honor of Dad, but not tell him what we were doing. It took Dad a little while, but he did finally notice that we were all decked out in our flannel. It was fun and brought lots of laughs!

Dad, Jeremy, and Mom

After a delicious lunch, it was time for exchanging gifts!

Excited Brooke and Brecklyn

JT and Bren

Brooke and Brecks again

Bri and Chloe

Since we were at my house, G-Jo decided I should head up the handing out of the gifts. That was new!

As it so often does, the evening ended with games, laughter, and a beautiful sunset. Thank you, God, for Your tremendous blessings!

The next few days were spent hanging out and running around as a family. Our house became the hub of activity, and at any given moment we had 6 to 20 people over. 

Brecklyn and Brooke playing with new puppies they received from Grampy and G-Jo for Christmas.

They fixed the doggie's hair, then painted its nails!

Brianna and Mallory working on a crochet kit that Bri received from Grampy and G-Jo.

Several of the guys went shooting one day.

And we always, always have games going!

On Friday, the Swearingen girls spent the afternoon with us, and we frosted sugar cookies.

Sadie and Brianna

Caroline, Brecklyn, and Brooke

Mallory, Kaylee, and Caroline

The cookie crew!

That evening, we had everyone (including the Swearingens) over for pizza. In the twins' room, we had Storytime with JT going on. The little girls thought it was the BEST!

We ended the evening with a family devo. Chris and Ross were there too, but somehow they missed out on the group photo. It's always good to spend time together!

After a full week of "Christmas", we were ready for a little down time when the Tennessee family headed home early Saturday morning! I try to never take for granted how good it is to be together, and remember that these are cherished times and cherished memories we are making.