Christmas 2011.

We had a very busy, wonderful Christmas filled with lots of family time and good food. This year we got to see almost everyone on both the Grant and Jenkins sides of the family.  

We made the rounds this week, enjoying our last Christmas as a family of two.  Thursday evening we had dinner and games at my Grandmommy and Papa's house (my mom's parents) with my aunt, uncle and cousins.  Friday we drove to Arkadelphia to see the Grant family, including Gary's parents, sister and brother-in-law, who drove in from Texas, his grandparents, and all of his aunts, uncles, and cousins.  Christmas Eve was spent with my parents and siblings, eating a wonderful home cooked meal made by my Momma, and playing Catch Phrase.  

Christmas morning, as is tradition, Gary and I woke up early to read the Christmas story and exchange gifts with each other, and let me just say, my husband is an awesome gift giver.  I gave him very little to work with in way of a Christmas list this year, because all I could think about was getting through Christmas and getting to Elliott's birth day. However, he surprised me with new running shoes to train for my half marathon after baby, new Toms, and a hand stamped ring with Elliott's name on it.  Love him.

After we finished exchanging our gifts, we went to my parent's house to exchange gifts and eat breakfast casserole (my favorite!) with my siblings and grandparents.  This may be our last year to spend Christmas morning at my parent's house since Elliott will be here next year, so it was a special time for us.

Gary's parents, sister and brother-in-law, drove up from Arkadelphia to exchange gifts and spend the afternoon with us at our house.  We enjoyed lounging on the couch, watching a heartbreaking loss for the Dallas Mavericks, and eating leftovers, before they headed back to Arkadelphia and then to Texas.

Our final stop was Christmas dinner at my grandparent's (on my Dad's side) house with my aunts, uncles, cousins and great grandmother.  

Me [and E] with my brother and sister on Christmas Eve.

Me and Gary at my parent's house Christmas Eve.

My beautiful family.

Christmas morning at our house.

The boys in their new shirts from my sister.

The girls in our Christmas PJs Christmas morning at my parent's.

My Grandmommy and Papa Christmas morning.

My in-laws opening gifts at our house.

The Grant family at our house Christmas day.

We feel so blessed to have so much family to celebrate with each year.  I'm thankful we were able to see and catch up with everyone but Gary's mom's side of the family, whom we got to spend Thanksgiving with in Texas.  The gifts are wonderful, but the time with family and the memories made mean so much more this time of year.  We're looking forward to having a little one toddling around this time next year.