Jeff, Ami, Kiran, Ellery and Olivia: On the 12th Driving Day of Christmas . . . and a Mockingbird in a Mesquite Tree

We had a blast driving to TX for Christmas this year! The kids did really well in the car. (It didn't seem quite the same without Sunshine on the trip, but she got in some good rest at puppy camp!) We split the trip nicely into 2 1/2 days each way so that no one got too tired.

We are extremely happy to report that no one was sick this Christmas (maybe a little stuffy nose here and there), and we are especially happy that our family did not bring any diseases with us from TN! It really does make for a merrier Christmas. We'll keep our fingers crossed and hands sanitized for future trips!

We first drove to Nat and Keri's house, then on to Cookie and Papa's for a few days to have Jeff's Family Christmas. It was wonderful to see so many family members and catch up. Each time we go to TX, we realize a little more how amazing our families are and how much we miss them!!!

Addie and Kiran had a great time together and entertained everyone. They also required some entertaining from grownups, and grandparents and great-grandparents did not seem to mind jumping right in to take over that role for sleep-deprived parents. I suspect they all got some good sleeping in after we left! Ellery was very entertained by all of the action around her, and Doak, well he got some good napping in!

Here are a few captured-on-camera moments. Oops - after I loaded all of the pics and 38 minutes later, I am reminded that I am camera crazy. Oh well, enjoy looking, and believe it or not there are more. I'll have to put them in the photo section tomorrow! And, I'll have to work on Ami's Family Christmas then, too!