Christmas Vacation

Jeff and I were able to go to Texas for two weeks at Christmastime. We had so much fun celebrating Christmas, going to a family reunion, lighting fireworks on New Year's Eve/Day, and just hanging out with everyone. I was excited for Jeff to be able to get to know my family a little better and for them to get to know him.

The day after we flew in we went to the Christmas party for my mom's side of the family. It was so fun seeing family members that I hardly get to see, and some of them got to meet Jeff for the first time. There was plenty of good food, a talent show, and lots of visiting. I was so glad we were able to make it.
My dad is always the guy behind the camera at things like this. Jared was nice enough to help him out by taking over the camera for a little while. (... and Dad's hat and glasses. haha Jared's so funny.)

I got to play volleyball for the first time in forever! It was so much fun. I love playing volleyball with my family. It was the first time for Jeff to play with us. He made me proud. :)
(Sorry for the blurry picture. I guess our camera doesn't take action shots very well.)

After Jeff's run, he somehow still had the energy to stay outside and play with the kids. They loved him. Nobody could pull the wagon as fast as he could...

... no matter how hard they tried. :)

The big Williamson Christmas party was on Christmas Eve. Almost everyone was in from out of town this year, so Uncle Frank's house was packed.

We stayed with my brother Jason and his wife Alexa for over a week while we were down. They were great hosts; it was nice to be able to spend some time with them. We got to spend Christmas morning at their house (little J's first one!), before going over to Mom and Dad's for the big meal. Jason and Alexa were so thoughtful and got us a couple of gifts so we would have something to open on Christmas morning. It was a nice surprise; they're so sweet.

This is how Mom and Dad's house typically looks when we're all able to get together. With ten kids, seven sons/daughters-in-law, and fourteen grandkids, things at their house can get pretty crazy. The more, the merrier, right?

We were able to take family pictures while we were there. I don't have copies of the dressier pictures we took (with everyone), but I have this one of just me and my brothers and sisters.

Things sure have changed since these days:

Anyway, the rest of our trip included a 3 day 2 night Williamson family reunion at North Toledo Bend State Park,...

(including a dance lol)

(Kenya had to do breathing treatments while we were there and Jeff was nice enough to keep her company. She's so funny.)

...flag football on New Year's Day for the guys,...

and plenty of time just to hang out with the fam. :)