Christmas in January

This last Saturday we finally celebrated Christmas together with the hubby's side of the family ... we waited for quite a while because Kevin, Justin's brother, was going to be home mid-January and this way we could celebrate with him.

The three of us headed over to Wichita early Saturday morning {always feels like such a long drive for some reason ... but its so far for people to come see us too!}, stopped by the mall real quick to look for some much needed jeans {that I STILL couldn't seem to find ... I don't have an odd size ... apparently just the popular size!} and then headed over to the sister-in-laws house.

We arrived to an already full house with Justin's mom, step-dad and grandparents there. The house was warm and smelled good of yummy homemade gumbo and cornbread {a definite plus since it was bitterly cold} ... made everything all the more inviting! I know I already said this on Facebook, but great job on lunch Aliene, it really was tasty!

Even though Jocelyn was tired, cranky and in desperate need of a nap;
          and even though it was a short visit with Justin's mom and grandparents;
                    It was fun to chat a bit, open presents and enjoy one anothers company!

Justin's granddad was the sweetest too -- he's always a hoot! I know some might not appreciate his humor, but I sure do. When I sat next to him, he told me that when he saw Justin walk through the door and "some girl" behind him, that his first thoughts were "who the hell is this new woman with my grandson ... I thought I was about to have his ass because I didn't think it was you." He's so funny! He told me he loved my new hairstyle and that I seemed like "a whole new woman."

Compliments are always nice to receive aren't they?

 

After round 1 of Christmas, us big kids sat around chatting, watching some TV and catching up with one another since it had been so long since we've spent time together. To be exact, it had been 2 1/2 years since we had last seen Justin's brother Kevin!!! Crazy huh? Far too long! We've missed you Kevin!!

Then later after Jocelyn's much needed long nap, Justin's dad and step-mom came over to spend time with all of us. After they got there and everyone got themselves dressed {more importantly -- we got the little monsters dressed! ha!} we all headed into Wichita to get family portraits made.

We weren't sure how Jocelyn would do with such a big group, it being later in the evening, in a strange place and lots of new noises; but she did surprisingly well. It was hard to grasp her attention at times, but between her having a hard time focusing and the Powers boys excessive blinking, we had some good laughs!!

Pictures really didn't take too long which is always nice. We started at 6pm, had them in our hands, and back at the house by 8pm-ish. Not too shabby huh?

Once we got back to the house we enjoyed yummy calorie-free pizza {I say it was calorie-free ... so it was}, hot wings and opened more presents. Between both sides of the family, Jocelyn made out like a bandit! She really is going to love all her books and clothes.

One of the most memorable parts of the day was after we took pictures {and I gulped down a big cafe latte from Panera}, was getting to see Ethan, my nephew, rock his dancing moves. I know my sister and brother-in-law wanted to kill me {they think I'm a bad influence about 99% of the time}, but everytime I'd say "shake it baby shake it" and lay down a beat for him, he would shake those hips and butt like nobody's business!! It truly was the most hilarious and cutest thing ever!! I shouldve gotten it on video or something because its bound to make anyone smile. And besides, it'd be awesome to use as blackmale later! haha I'm his aunt ... I'm suppose to have this kind of ammo!

By the time everything was said and done, it was 10pm and everyone was exhausted! Considering I had been up since 2am that day and still going, I was pretty impressed. Thank goodness for some strong coffee! By this time, I was also super thrilled Jocie had a long nap. We changed Boogs into her footie PJ's and loaded her, along with everything else, into the van. We had plans to stay at the AirForce hotel, but Justin changed his mind and we ended up driving home. It wasn't too bad with Jocie passed out and after driving the first hour, he took over and brought us on home while I caught a nap.

It was a wonderful, relaxing Christmas with everyone and I'm thrilled with our pictures! Thank you again Greg and Kristi for the photos! I can't wait to hang them!!!

Here are a few of the ones we took -- enjoy! :)

{We haven't had one of the two of us in a really long time -- Makes me smile!}

{Look at our little stinky's face!! hahahaha I love that look! Ha!}

{Love her sweet face and smile!}

{The 3 grandkids: Emily, Jocelyn & Ethan ... all of us LOVED this one!}

{Last time we all had pictures together was Christmas 2005 -- it was time! This isn't the picture that we all picked because Gary's eyes are closed, but I love everyones smiles ... especially Grandma and Boogies. We've all changed so much!}

  

 

{A father and his sons! A bunch of good-lookin' fellas!}