Christmas, Surprises, and Visit to Louisiana

Our Christmas Holiday was quite exciting!  We had been planning a trip to Louisiana and our travel plans changed many times. This was our first Christmas so far away from our families. After wrapping all the presents for the kids, I realized there was NO WAY we could fit their presents in the truck along with all the other stuff we were bringing with us. (I had to return a huge box of clothes, bumbo seat, & other "baby" things Addison is no longer using to my wonderful friend Danielle, who was so generous to let us use those things after her little girl Sammie was no longer using them. Danielle is expecting again & needs some of the things back....THANK YOU DANIELLE!!!!) So we decided that we would have our Christmas morning here in Texas with just us & the kids, then we would leave on Saturday for Louisiana. The closer it got to Christmas, I really wanted to be with our families for Christmas Day. Lawrence told me that if he did not have any appointments during the week, we could leave early. I was so excited, until I heard him schedule an appointment for Wednesday. (Don't get me wrong....I am very thankful for the business, but I have been a little homesick and just wanted to get "home" and spend time with our families.)

After talking, we decided to let the kids open their presents from us on Wednesday night and leave early Thursday morning (Christmas Eve) for Louisiana. 

The kids were very happy with the loot they received, but they were so excited to go to Louisiana. I think Peyton slept a total of 2 hours that night. There was a bad storm moving through the morning we were suppose to leave, so we left a little later. Thankfully, we had a safe trip!

We did not tell Lawrence's family that we were coming early...they had no clue! We spent Chrstmas Eve with my family. Santa knew just where to find us at Nanna's house! We opened presents, then headed down the bayou to SURPRISE Lawrence's family!

Ready for Santa's visit!

Addie LOVES her Pal Violet from Santa!

We drove down to Lawrence's parents house...to surprise them! We snuck in through the house to the garage. The garage door was open & a few of them saw us. There were many tears, hugs, and LOTS OF SURPRISE!!!

This was our first time seeing some of the family since we moved in June.

Addie & Kale

Addie wrapped in her blanket made by Joyce.

(Joyce is her grandmother, who is holding her in this picture.)

We had a wonderful day and enjoyed spending time with Lawrence's family. We were able to spend a few days at PaPa & Joyce's house.

Sunday, we visited my sister-in-law Edna & her husband Danny's house (Inda & Kawasaki). Danny had found a jump house that he was looking forward to sharing with the boys. THEY LOVED IT!!!!!

The Cousins

On Sunday night all the kids had a sleep over. Peyton slept at his cousin Kali's house. Addison slept at Lindsey's house. (Lindsey is cousin Jake's girlfriend.) Jonah slept at Kawasaki & Inda's house (his aunt Edna & Uncle Danny). Lawrence & I were able to go out to dinner...KID-FREE!!!! (Thank you to all those who hosted sleep-overs!)

On New Year's Eve, we headed to Pearl River to visit my best friend & Peyton's Nanny, Danielle & her family. The kids played so well together. I wish we lived closer...I really miss spending time with her.

All of our kiddos together.

Jonah, Addie, Sammie, Peyton, & Tyler

Addie's first time on a slide.

Jonah & Sammie played so well together

I LOVE this picture of Addison!

That night we headed back to Nanna's house to spend the night. Aunt Cindy camE over & gave the kids their gifts. Jonah played with Addie & her gift most of the night. He is a great Big Brother!

Another one of my favorites!

We enjoyed a great night of visiting with my family! At midnight, we headed outside to watch the fireworks and say good bye to 2009!! The kids enjoyed the fireworks, I think...Peyton was smiling but had his ears covered the whole time, Jonah was half-asleep, and Addison kept saying oooh!  We spent New Year's day at Nanna's and were sad when it was time to leave. We would be heading back to Texas the next morning.

Still playing with Addie's toy the next day!

Addie's 1st cooking lesson

The kids with their great-grandmother

Jonah, Addie, MawMaw, & Peyton

We spent our last night in Louisiana at Lawrence's parents house. We were sad that ouR time in Lousiana was ending.

Addie & Kale

We enjoyed our visit VERY much, but we were happy to get back to some sort of routine! We miss everyone already and have talked about visiting again in July...we will have a new cousin to visit...Kale is going to be a Big Brother!
May you all be blessed in the coming year!