Christmas Eve 2008

Our Christmas Eve this year started with a Brantley Family get together in Kaufman. Papa's family has always gotten together around Christmas and this year my Aunt Jennifer put together a wonderful fun time. She rented a very nice banquet hall on the square in downtown Kaufman and it was big enough for all the kids to run and play. After a yummy pot luck lunch we let the kids open their gifts. They all got something perfect for them and also a very warm blanket my aunt made for all the kids. It is so fun to see all my cousins and remember playing as we grew up and now to see my kids playing with their kids is a treasure. The low point of this event I forgot my camera! No pictures of the fun we had!
After we left Kaufman we headed to Mimi's and Papa's to have some more Christmas Eve fun. First, Papa read the poem, The Night Before Christmas to all the kids. Well, he read to three of them, Connor and Brooke didn't last very long. Bailey and Emma enjoying the poem!

Connor got so excited to play with his "Brookie" that he forgot to go on the potty!

Earlier in the day all three kids got haircuts. I couldn't go because Bailey asked to get her hair cut and I didn't think I could watch. Yes, the long hair that took 7 years to grow out is now short. Greg said they cut 4 inches off the back. It has made such a difference and I really do love it!

All three got wonderful presents and were so grateful for everything. They got fun things to play with and many wonderful books to read and some much needed clothes for winter!

Here's my "cheese" boy. He really really enjoyed everything about Christmas this year. He loved Ho, Ho. He loved ripping open presents. He loved our tree and only moved the ornaments that he thought needed to be moved!

All five kids love to take silly pictures with their Aunt Tammy.

After some of Mimi's yummy cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate we took a few pictures under her tree and then we headed home to open gifts from each other.

All three kids got a special movie from mommy and daddy. Then they opened a few gifts from each other.




I was so grateful that Jackson had such a giving spirit this year and we both noticed how much he has grown up in the last year. He is such a blessing to us.

Bailey is so kind and has such a tender heart. She really was very thoughtful in all her gifts. She always wants to please everyone. That new haircut really makes her look older.

Connor, my sweet. I am so glad his health is holding steady. The excitement in his eyes all during the holidays was truly a blessing.

Finally, around 10:30 we got all three into bed for Santa to come. But, not before we put out cookies for Santa and sprinkled the reindeer food in the yard!