The first Christmas celebration

We had several Christmas celebrations this year with family. This is the first with Grandma and Pop-Pop the week before we went to LA. RC opened her present and loves it.

RS opening his presents. He now has a Thomas the Train and Percy as well as the DVD's to go along. We watch them over and over.

Grandma and RS.

RS not really felling it here.

Christmas at the Maddie's

After a giant lunch at Maw-Maw's, our family went to a family friend's house for a giant afternoon meal. RC charmed everyone there.

Maw-Maw and RC.

Hanging out in their outdoor fireplace pavilion. It was the first time I had been there since the new addition, and I fell in love with it. They roasted a whole pig with the rotisserie that they installed over the mantle and it tasted wonderful.

Maw-Maw's

We went to Maw-Maw's on Christmas Eve evening. The family typically hangs out in the kitchen catching up and eating. It is more of a grab and go style dinner using bread as your plate for a turkey or ham sandwich. YUMMMMM!

RC and B jumped in the plastic containers and went for a "ride" (Cort pushing them around and around.) They had a blast together.

Before Santa comes, the kids have to line the halls and sing really loud in order for Santa to know that they are there. He then opens the door to the living room and has candy for everyone who sits on his lap and tells him what they want for Christmas. Here is A singing and performing.

RC was not too sure about Santa. She just sat on his lap checking him out for a while. RC didn't like him at all, but when we told him that he had candy, he was willing to go to his basket to gather some.

Maw-D's cont

More pics from Maw-D's--Lou and L.

Z getting his present from Paw-B.

A holding L and D.

Our family with Maw-D and Paw-B

Paw-B and Maw-D's Christmas Eve

Maw D is all smiles, RC is not.

After eating gumbo for lunch, one of the children carries baby Jesus to the manger while all of the others carry candles following. We sing "silent night" in English and then in German and then sing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus. This was RS's first year participating. It is always a great tradition and lots of fun.

Afterward, Maw-D hands out presents to all of her kids, grandchildren and great-grandchildren (a $2 bill for everyone.) Check out the candy canes lining the wall--there is one for each person.

Walker girl

RC started taking several steps at a time just before we left to go to LA. Here are a few shots I took of the walker girl in front of the tree. She is so proud of herself.

Standing up getting ready for take-off.

But the book is a little more interesting for now.

Yay! Look at me now.