Family & Friends for the Holidays

One of the best gifts we received for the holidays was the opportunity to spend some quality time with our family and friends that came to visit us. It was so fun to be buzzing with activities, cousins, new toys, and friends all around the same time.

Beginning with the most recent visit, the Auten's from VA spent New Years' Eve with us. Katlyn was thrilled as this included a visit from her very best friend Emma Auten. Unfortunately, as you'll see we didn't bother to take any pictures of adults throughout the season, my apologies. I'll try to make a mental note to expand the camera range and include everyone... (I notice it in my video footage as well).

Kaleigh & Madelyn in the sandbox

Katlyn, Emma & Lauren

We were so blessed that my sister, Dana, was able to visit and bring most of her family with her. I think each of them are somewhere in the jumble at least once below. She has quadruplets that are almost as old as Kaleigh and Madelyn so that made a whole lot of munchkins under one roof. My sister's 3 year old, who believes she IS Snow White, commented, "It's like the 7 little dwarfs!" They brought 8 of their kids with them, the two eldest and my 3 are sharing the popsicles below.

Trevor, TJ, Katlyn, Madelyn, Lauren

Madelyn, Toby, Trey, Tessa & Trista

Teigan & Tori are last to be named, on the right side.

For different in/out periods my brother, Wayne, and his family were able to stay with us. We used to live down the street from them in VA, and we sorely miss their company and closeness. It's so sad to me that I'll probably never be able to have the same relationship with my nephew, Gavin, that I was able to have living close to him. I love that little boy to pieces. It was nice to get to know his little brother for once as well (I'm so sorry I don't have a pic). Anyway, this is one of the times that we made/decorated scrumptious sugar cookies.

We did also get to visit with Tracy Carter here for a rotation and my mom frequented here as well, although again, no pix of adults... We went absolutely no where, but that's okay, Darrick was really busy most of the time. Things are much slower this month so we're hoping to finally get a second car (if anyone has a lead- under 5k sedan... let us know!), finish the backyard somehow- it's just rubble for now, and plan a little trip away sometime soon.

I just realized I've sort of skipped over the Christmas morning pix, so let me add those if it'll let me:
Happy New Year everyone!!