We had a Holly Jolly Christmas!

OK so SOME people have been complaining that the blog has not been updated. So I thought I would get on it today. In my defense though I have been nonstop busy since we returned from Europe. It has all been wonderful though. Our weekends have been packed spending time with friends and family and at this time of the year it is nice to reflect on how thankful we are to have so many wonderful people in our lives.

This year we hosted 2 Christmas parties. On the 23rd my mom's family came over for dinner and presents. We were so happy to have my Grandpa here with us this Christmas. Not only has he beat the West Nile Virus, but he has been home from the hospital for the past month and getting around pretty well. He is still in therapy 3 days a week but he is getting stronger every day. Last week he even had the chance to do a little driving - something he hasn't done since August! Here are some pictures from Christmas on the 23rd!

Mom and Dave

Dennis, Julie and Lisa with Grandpa

My step-sister Sonya and her husband Rick

Grandma and Lisa opening presents!

On the 24th we had my dad's family over for another dinner as well as a grab bag extravaganza gift exchange. As usual, we all had a great time.

BamBam Guarding the Gifts!

Grandma with Lisa & Iris

My cousin Jim and his wife Julie

My Aunt Bonnie - proud Grandma to Jeffrey
Jeffrey is Jim and Julie's son - this is his first Christmas at 5 months old!

Emily and Mark - looking sweet and innocent -
before causing the uproar during the grab bag game!

Dad and Diana

Here we are! Den and Julie - in front of our giant Christmas tree!

Dennis couldn't wait until Christmas morning to exchange gifts so we decided to open them on Christmas Eve after all of our guests left. Den got me this beautiful "journey" necklace with all different colors of gemstones on it, along with an awesome jewelry chest - something to fill up over the years!

Den's favorite gift was his Bose headphones for his Ipod. However he also got a Wii remote charging station, some motorcycle stuff, pj's and curly hair product.

On Christmas morning, we headed down the street to my in-laws house to watch Nathan, Tony and Rayme open their gifts from Santa and exchange some of our own. It was a nice morning until poor little Tony got sick.

Tony and Shelley opening Tony's stocking

Ray with his Nascar jacket - looks like Santa pulled through for him this year!

Mom and Dad Smith watching all of the excitement!

Mom with her boys - Tony and Nathan - Merry Christmas!

Time to start assembling all the toys - good thing we had plenty of batteries!