Christmas 2023

We had a wonderful Christmas holiday break at the end of 2023. It seemed like so much was happening towards the end of the year, with Lauren's graduation and Austin's 1st year in college - it was nice to have some time to slow down.

Jacqui always does an amazing job decorating the tree

Reese says "Merry Christmas"
...not sure where Paris was...

We had three "Christmas Events" this year. The first was at my mom's. My brother and I plus our families met there on Saturday the 23rd. We've been celebrating Christmas in that same house since I was 5 years old~! This year was a a bit different as we decided to save my mom the hassle of trying to prepare a big meal, so we went out to eat instead. It was lovely!

I am blessed to have such a wonderful family

Next years Christmas card

Trey, Ilonka, Bill and Blake also get the Christmas card treatment

Get in there Nana!!

Now that we've got the group pics done, we can get down to the real business of opening presents

CLICK HERE TO SEE EXCITING VIDEO OF US OPENING PRESENTS!!!

I'm not sure I know what the girls enjoy most - opening the gifts - or buying them

Should I warn everyone before taking pictures?

Go 'stros!

What ya drinkin' Bill?

CLICK HERE TO SEE US PLAY SOME GAMES AFTER OPENING PRESENTS

I didn't get any pictures of our dinner at Campioni's, but found this on my phone...so.....

The second "Christmas Event" of the year was joining Mary, Beck and the Kerr's over at Julie's house. This event is a little less formal/traditional and a little more party. It's always a good time when Jacqui and Julie get together with a few drinks.

Grace supervises Austin's gift opening, while Julie wonders "when will this end?"

Kenn makes sure he's in at least one of the Christmas pictures, while Beck looks on with great wisdom

There's nothing funny to say here - ...except... what's up there Mimi?

It's just a weeeeeeee bit of champagne

Howdy!!

Big smiles, big drinks - they do hand in hand.

Another gift for Austin?

Poker chips!!

CLICK HERE TO SEE AUSTIN OPEN HIS POKER CHIPS!

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE GIRLS DANCE!!!

Fun times!!!

The third and final "Christmas Event" was....Christmas!  As we have for the past 20+ years we woke up at home Christmas morning, and enjoyed the blessing of family.

ANOTHER gift for Austin?? Doesn't anyone else get anything?

CLICK HERE TO SEE US OPEN GIFTS CHRISTMAS MORNING

CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE OF US OPENING GIFTS

CLICK HERE TO SEE EVEN MORE OF US OPENING GIFTS

CLICK HERE TO SEE....the last of us opening gifts...phew

Awwww, love my kids SO MUCH!

Merry Christmas Nana!!

CLICK HERE TO SEE how the boys end the evening

We wrap up the evening with a few games of Pinball on my new Foo Fighters machine
Merry Christmas Everyone!!

February update: As I write this and make this page, it's February 20, 2024. A lot has happened since Christmas and that's one reason it's taken me so long to get this posted. Right after Christmas, Lauren and I went to the ranch (with Bailey). Jacqui and Austin met us up there on the 27th. On the 28th we got a call that my mom had fallen and wasn't able to get up until a neighbor came over to help. We were 5 hour away, and my brother only 3 so he drove to Houston that night to be with her. The next day they went to the ER, and we drove home from the ranch. Since then it's been a rough process of trying to stabilize her health, and it was touch-and-go for a while. Thankfully, she has gotten a bit better, and is receiving excellent care - and food!

I'll spare all the details, but felt it important to note that as I edited and posted those pictures from my mom's house - it was a bit sad knowing that was the last time we will celebrate in the house I grew up in and spent every Christmas since 1970.