So my brother Stan and his family hosted Christmas again this year. I love going to Dexter and just hanging out in their home. They always make me feel so welcome, and since I'm not at my own home, I get a chance to really relax if I am able to stay a few extra days. This year, I stayed from Christmas Eve on Wed. until Sat., Dec. 27. It was nice! We shared a big dinner as a family on Christmas Eve, and for the first time in a while, all seven of my neices and nephews were there, so we took lots of pictures.
This was also the first time since Sarah got engaged that I saw my neice's fiance, Willie. We took a funny shot of them in the kitchen with Sarah hamming it up like she was cooking up a storm and miserable.The next day, the rest of the family headed home while I joined Stan, Tracy, Sarah and Anthony for Christmas dinner with Sarah's future in-laws in Advance, MO. Our timing was good and we were seated with full plates of food in front of us within 5 minutes. Everything was delicious! (Someone really knows how to make good chicken & dumplins!!!) After eating, we all (Yep, they even had a gift for me! Thanks G-G.) opened gifts. The future in-laws were very generous, and I felt like I as at a bridal shower: Sarah got lots of nice stuff! The funniest part was that in addition to other gifts, several of Willie's aunts also gave Sarah cookbooks. I guess her cooking skills are famous. Ha! Actually, Tracy said that Sarah helped prepare a lot of the food for our dinner Christmas Eve, and that meal was very good.
I also need to include this shot of Joan & Jim's kids. Aren't they sweet?!?! It's a shame no one's willing to adopt them. (jk)
And here's a picture of Becky and her boys. This was the first time I got to see both of them at the same time in a while. Matt's home from the Middle East and Eddie's about to ship off again. Who knows when we'll all get to share some time together again?
