Christmas Eve!

So I probably couldn't think of a worse way to start Christmas Eve. Justin met us at my moms and we all headed over to the funeral for my Grandma. It was a cold and rainy day so instead of a graveside service we had it in the creepy, cold mausoleum. Did I mention that's where we used to play? Um, yeah...it's amazing I turned out as awesome as I did huh? ;-) Grandma and Grandpa lived just a walk away from the cemetery. I remember all the grand kids walking over there and playing there. Never failed Russell would find money, never failed...I walked right in front of him! We'd go climb trees, look at headstones, go walk through the baby part, and then into the mausoleum. I can remember my cousin Brannon running ahead, leaving me, the poor youngest grandchild alone, and then "WHAM" he'd jump out from behind a wall and grab me. Scared the bageebees out of me! It was always cold and scary, however, Christmas Eve 2010, it was cold and sad. The funeral was a loving tribute I thought to a loving woman. Funny and sad at the same time. It's fun to hear how she touched every one's heart and lives. Everyone likes to say they were her favorite...but I knew that I was! :-) hehehee (she would have loved that!)

After the funeral we went to Aunt Connie and Uncle Mo's for a luncheon and Christmas. We always get together with my Dad's side of the family on Christmas Eve. I was really nervous going into it, but it turned out great. It was so nice to have the whole family around and have a house so full of love.

My pictures are a little out of order because blogger is having trouble, but we'll try anyway!! We did presents with Pappy and MeMaw before they left, Logan got the big stocking he saw at Pappy's last week. SUPER excited!

Rylee got a purse, which at first she didn't much care for, but is really enjoying it now, perfect size!!
Our "Christmas" picture for the year. 4 out of 5 looking at the camera isn't too bad huh??
Cody got a new nerf gun and TONS of darts...think he's supposed to share the extra darts, but don't know if he will! :-)
Then we did our traditional nativity reading. All the kids get a figure, Logan picked the donkey...don't know what that means!! Cody got another animal, not sure I remember what it was. Anyway, we read the story of the birth of Jesus and the wise men coming to visit. Rylee missed out this year because she took an awesome nap, can't say I'm complaining either!!
Justin and I have maybe 3 pictures together that I like, including those from our wedding. Not sure I like what our hands are doing, but our faces aren't too bad. Are they?? :-)
My Logan, can't believe he's so big!!
After Pappy left we hung out and ate some more and played Tripoli. Nothing like a little poker to help with the mood!
We also played spoons and I'm proud to say I am the CHAMPION this year. Now we just have to have Amy find the trophy!!! Woohoo for me!!

Justin and Rylee played around awhile and the boys were off upstairs I think.
And then it was time to open presents!!! Rylee loves carrying around these Weebles, doesn't know how to play with them, but will carry them all day if I let her!!
I was trying to get a picture of Logan, but Rylee kept getting in the middle. Got one with the bow on her head this time!!
Logan got an awesome Nerf dart tag game, I see trouble in my future.
Cody got his new Lightning McQueen cars!!
Here's a shot of half of us enjoying Christmas.
And here's the other half!
Here's a shot of the grand kids, not the best but it will do. Grandma would have liked it, I can see it now on her refrigerator with the rest of them!
And here are the lucky 14 great grandchildren! (Pay no attention to the screaming girl in the middle)
We did our best to try to make everything as "normal" as possible and I think we did a pretty good job. There were quite times of reflection, but mostly happy times with family we love. I am so grateful to have each and every one of you in my life, can't imagine if you weren't there. I love and miss you all!