The White White House: A Very Merry Christmas

We've had a festive week beginning with our annual birthday dinner. This year, mom and dad changed things up a little and Holly got to pick the restaurant. We ended up at Kanki Japanese House of Steaks. Nobody complained. The kids always looked forward to making cakes at the Angus Barn but this year, they enjoyed watching the Japanese chef cook just as much. On Friday, we went to Holly's to have cookies with Santa. Anderson, Jackson, and Jackson's friend, Richie, dressed up as elves and "helped" with the event. Sawyer got to meet Santa for the first time. Let's just say he's not a fan. Maybe he was confused because he heard Granddaddy's voice but the man in the red suit didn't look at all like Grannddaddy. Oh well, maybe next year!

I think this Christmas has been one of my favorite ones yet. It's been nearly perfect, with the exception of a particular meltdown on Christmas Eve of one child who will remain nameless. We had a wonderful lunch at Aunt Bonnie's yesterday. I'm not sure how things run so smoothly with all of the aunts, uncles, and cousins but it does. Aunt Bonnie's house was beautiful and the kids were able to spend time outside playing which was just an added bonus. The food is always so good. I was born into a family of great cooks! Last night, we topped the evening off at Holly's and enjoyed leftovers and appetizers, as if anyone needed to eat after the spread we partook of at Bonnie's. Ha!

The kids exchanged gifts at Holly's and that certainly was a highlight of this Christmas. The look on their faces as they opened gifts was one of the many joys of Christmas. Cole got an Easy-Bake Oven, which her brother really wanted. Bennett received an NC State Pillow Pet and a Bat Cave. One would have thought that he won the lottery. All of the kids were happy with their gifts. One of the best gifts of the evenings, in my opinion, was Jackson's karaoke machine (thanks Granndaddy and Granny). We spent several hours singing at Holly's. Please see the pictures below:-) Bennett, Jackson, and Sawyer entertained us all with their singing and dancing.

This morning, Mom made a delicious breakfast and all of us were there! Jackson took his new toy so Laura and I took everybody on a ride back into time and we preformed the Bangles, Manic Monday while Holly ran in and out of the room. For those that have seen our old home movie, you understand. We probably looked a lot cuter on that old 80's video but it couldn't have nearly as fun, or entertaining for that matter. And....ironically as I type this, Webb is singing Jason Aldean. Who says that growing older isn't fun?!?!? Christmas is as fun as it's ever been.

Papa and Grandma traveled to our house this year and they just left about an hour ago. We enjoyed having them. We opened gifts, watched the boys play with their gifts, and then filled our bellies. It was a fun and relaxing day. Thanks, Papa and Grandma for the wonderful goodies and for coming to us this year.
Things are quiet for now. Up next are a few birthday celebrations. Mom has always done such a great job of making our birthdays special. I'm looking forward to vanilla pudding on Tuesday, Bonefish Grill with Webb, and watching the Wolfpack play one last football game in 2011. After that, it's onto Holly's birthday then I guess we'll get ready for 2012. Life is so good, I wish time would just slow down. Merry Christmas and love to you all!