Over the River and Through the Woods...

...To Grandmother's house we go... plus a whole bunch of other people's houses, too!

Well, after twelve days and nearly 1,000 miles driven across three states, we have finally made it back home. Home, SWEET home! Routine, SWEET routine! People often ask us how we do it... being gone the entire Christmas break and driving 1,000 miles to see everyone. But, how could we not? We are blessed with long Christmas vacations, and have the opportunity to see nearly everyone in our family and extended family. It's not always easy, but it's always worth the effort. Always.

We celebrated Christmas in Arkansas again this year. It was supposed to be Christmas in Rogersville, but due to a family situation we chose to swap this year. Lucky Nana and Pa; poor Grandma and Grandpa. But, that's how it goes sometimes. Chances are this won't be the last time we make special arrangements.

First was Granny's Christmas.... We were blessed to be able to have it in Granny's home again this year. A month or so ago, we didn't know if Granny would be home for Christmas because of her health. But, thank the Lord, she's home and doing well!

Corwin always enjoys giving Granny a personalized gift.

Here are the boys--Corwin, Jack, and Owen--preparing the way for "Ho Ho Ho" (as Owen calls Santa). Jack didn't want to share the oats with the reindeer. (I'm not sure his parents feed him.) Anyway, Corwin decided to leave Santa a healthy snack of carrots. He was sure Santa could use something healthy after all those cookies.

Here's Corwin the next morning reading his letter from Santa. Santa always is good to remind Corwin that Jesus is the real reason for the season. Corwin was actually able to read some of the letter all by himself.

Owen got a "choo choo nite nite" from Santa. He wasn't terribly interested at first. He liked the look of Jack's blocks and wagon more. But, it didn't take long. He has slept with Choo-choo every night.

Jack needed some help opening his gifts, and Owen was more than happy to oblige.

One of Owen's many excited and "in awe" faces. This Christmas was fun with him.

Owen on stand-by, in case Pa needs his help. Always willing and able.

Nana and Pa got the boys a Gator for Christmas. Owen was especially excited and pleased. We can't wait to get it back from Arkansas (it wouldn't fit in the vehicle) so the boys can play with it this spring.

Sorry, I didn't get any Texarkana pics. I didn't realize that I never got the camera out until I was going through my pictures. You great aunts and uncles will have to share yours with us!

Then, we made it to Grandma and Grandpa's on Monday after Christmas. Tuesday morning we opened MORE gifts! Here are the grandkids listening to Grandpa read the Christmas story, and waiting to put their nativity character in the stable.

Corwin got walkie-talkies from Gma and Gpa. Very excting!

And a space pod. He didn't think he was going to get that!

Grandma and Grandpa. (My parents.)

Owen got his first experience in Grandma's jacuzzi bathtub. He didn't like it at all at first. It scared him. But with Daddy's encouragement, he thoroughly enjoyed the jets and bubbles!

Silas came and spent the night. You can see in this picture that Corwin was not well. He ran a fever starting Tuesday afternoon, and it didn't let up until Sunday morning. We came home a day early because he was sick the entire time. "Just a cold," they said. That was one nasty cold. He and Daddy got the shaft this year. They missed out on a party and playing hard with the cousins because he had to lay low and stay indoors. It broke his heart when he had to miss the Hosiner Christmas at Brycen and Josie's house. It broke mine, too.

Here's Owen holding Oreo. She was a good sport to let such a little man hold her.

Owen was amazed at Aunt Patty's music box.

The final party was at my Grandma and Grandpa's house. Again, we were blessed with another year with these two. Another Christmas in their home. This is them with their seven great-grandchildren. (Corwin in sick in this pic, too.)

Draper Mayhem!

Until next year, y'all!!!