Christmas Shuffle 2013

On Friday December 20th, Matthew and I drove down to spend the next 12 days with our families, celebrating Christmas and everything that goes along with it.  (Kyndall had gone down earlier in the week with my Mom)  We arrived at my in-laws' house sometime after midnight and to say we were exhausted doesn't even begin to describe it.  But, there would be no rest for the weary, as our "Christmas Shuffle" as I like to call it, would begin bright and early the very next morning.  There are so many places to go, people to see and things to do and no time to waste!

Saturday morning, Kyndall and I drove to Tallahassee to participate in the annual Christmas party and gift exchange that I do with my girlfriends and our kiddos.  It's a lot of fun and a great way to see everyone and catch up.  This year Laura offered to host at her house.  I didn't take a single picture (shame, shame!), but I think that's because I knew Betsy would have her camera and I could just steal her pictures later.  So, that's what I did....  =)

Best attempt at a group shot!  Have you ever seen a more adorable bunch??

I love this picture for so many reasons, but mostly because my eyes aren't bright yellow.  It's amazing what you can do with Photo Shop--Thanks, Betsy!  =)

This one just makes me laugh!

Love these sweet friends!  Missed you, Rebecca!!

Later that night, the whole family met up at Hurricane's for dinner and to hear our friend Mr. Johnny's band play for a few hours.  Kyndall fell asleep on the way and was quite a bear when we woke her up.

But it didn't take long for my little social butterfly to perk up and before I knew it, she was on the dance floor with this "nice" lady who was completely drunk but having a great time.  Kyndall specifically pointed her out and said "Mommy, I want to dance with HER!!"  So, she did......

I definitely got a little nervous when she decided to pick Kyndall up and spin her around in circles.  I just knew she was gonna lose her balance and fall on my child.  Thankfully, all ended well and Kyndall had a good time (and was oblivious to the drunken state of her new friend)

It didn't stop there!  She continued to drag each of us out onto the dance floor and barely stopped long enough to eat her grilled cheese sandwich and french fries.

Uncle Michael took a turn

And Daddy......

In her own little world........

She did this until 10:30 p.m.!  There was no stopping her, especially when she realized she had the undivided attention of every single person on the patio.  At the end of each song, she would actually TAKE A BOW and say "thank you", as if it was alllllllll about her!  Mr. Johnny even brought her on stage at one point where she serenaded the audience with her own rendition of "twinkle twinkle".  What am I going to do with this girl???

She wanted a picture with Mr. Johnny.  My child, the groupie!

On Sunday, Matthew's extended family all came to his parents' house for dinner and gifts.  The kids wasted no time tearing into their goodies!

Matthew's Aunt Libby and his cousins Christina and Sarah

My sweet mother-in-law is always in the kitchen!

We had a birthday cake for Jesus and even sang the happy birthday song

Matthew, why aren't you singing??  Caught ya!

Taylor was very sweet to let Kyndall hang with the big girls 

Hard to believe Taylor was the flower girl in our wedding almost 6 years ago!  Time, please slow down!

Monday (I think??) we had dinner and a play date with our friends Blake and Felicia and their three little beauties

This was our first time meeting Miss Emma Grace and she couldn't possibly be more adorable or sweet!  Love those cheeks!

The Daddies entertained Kyndall and the twins while I soaked up some sweet baby lovin' from Emma Grace!

Kyndall and Nonie spent Christmas Eve morning in the kitchen, baking together and cooking up all kinds of yummy treats!

Later, the Barfield/Williamson families came over and exchanged gifts with us

Sweet girls!

Reese got a bracelet making kit with a loom and she asked me to help her with it.  I gave it about 5 minutes and threw my hands up.  (I have no patience for that kind of stuff!)  My husband is GREAT at problem solving and has the patience needed to see it through.  So, he was assigned the job of teaching Reese how to use her new bracelet kit!  =)

Look at that concentration!  

Within just a few minutes, he had it figured out and was whipping up bracelets like it was his job!

So sweet.....and really funny!  =)

And that brings us to Christmas Eve night, which we spent with my family.  That deserves a post of it's own because as usual, I took way too many pictures.  

As you can see, the days leading up to Christmas were pretty hectic for us, but I wouldn't have it any other way.  We are blessed with so many wonderful friends and family members who want to spend time with us while we are home for the holidays and for that we are very grateful.  Yes, we were tired, but making these special memories with the ones we love was so worth it!