Christmas with the Coons

Just as I suspected, things have been FULL swing since our return from the fun and relaxing cruise vacation! I promise to blog about it soon, but I'm gonna stay up to date on Christmas festivities first since it is Christmastime and all. A couple of days after our return, my family traveled south to Jackson for our Christmas with the Coon family. In case you aren't an avid follower of this blog, the Coons are my mother's side of the family. 'Nuff said, right?! Ha! Russ wasn't able to go, because he had to work. Boo! But, we managed without him and had a great time!

Clancy and Jack

You just never know what will happen when our two families get together! From the "Coon Cloud" following us around to elevator mishaps, there is always something to laugh....and laugh....and laugh about!

Kristin, Lee, and Dustin

The Coon family prepared a yummy meal of steaks, rolls, potatoes, and lots of snacks. My mom brought a salad and tea. We all ate until our tummies were content...or miserably full! Ha! Then, we ate Hummingbird Cake. Yummy!

Roxy begging Daddy for some food

After stuffing our faces, it was time to open gifts. Everyone moved to the living room, and Clancy began to pass out the presents.

Pops and Mama

Everyone watched and waited their turn to receive a wrapped surprise!

Daddy, Jack, and Uncle Howard

Like I said, you never know what will happen. And we are never short on laughter! Just look at my mom's face. I'm not sure exactly what happened here!

Mama, Daddy, Lee, and Dustin buried in gifts

We all missed Russ this year, but welcomed the newest family member to his first Coon Christmas! Lee had never been able to come to Jackson with us. We usually celebrate Christmas with this side of the family on Christmas Day. But, this year Clancy and Jack had to work. So we moved it up. Lee was so proud of his first "envelope" from Pops!

The rest of the night was filled with nice surprises, happies, and gifts as we went around the room one at a time to open them.

Clancy's canvas that Kristin painted

Clancy gave Kristin and me a framed photo of us from her wedding and a beautiful crushed seashell covered ornament for all the beach moments we've shared. For as long as I can remember, the Coons and Smiths go to Panama City Beach each summer for a vacation. I look forward to it every year. Although the activities of the grandchildren have changed, the fun is the same!

Cousins

Thank you so much for having us for Christmas! We had a blast! And lots of fun and laughter as always! Don't believe me? Just take a look at our hosts....

Uncle Howard and Aunt Patsy

I made a new friend while there. Roxy, a very unsocial chihuahua, could not get enough of me. Everyone was shocked that she would like me that much. Is it that hard to believe that I would be liked so strongly??

Me and Roxy

Once we left the Coons', the Smith crew met at Kristin and Lee's apartment to open gifts with Dustin and Mary.

Mary and her gifts

Dustin and Mary gave us beautiful gifts! I absolutely LOVED it! So thoughtful! They gave Russ and I an oil painting of our first home! Tear! We absolutely loved our first home and shared so many wonderful memories there. What a terrific gift to help us always remember it and all the joys of owning your first home as a family!

Me with my painting...and Daddy in the background

I'm sure you noticed in the background of my picture that my dad and mom got an oil painting of our home church. Daddy has gotten into this "Where's Waldo" routine. You'll see more of this in some of the cruise pictures. Ha!

Kristin and Lee with their painting

Kristin and Lee received the same oil painting of the church. This is special for them because both Lee and Kristin were baptized in that church and married there.

Dustin and Mary

Of course, we had some gifts for Mary as well. I hope she liked them as much as we liked our gifts! Thank you, Mary and Dustin, for such thoughtful Christmas gifts! I can't wait to frame mine and place it in the perfect spot!