A Big Little Christmas

Christmas this year was wonderful and a little different. Since we don't live fifteen minutes away anymore our travel schedule was a new, very busy experience. I had to work nearly all day on Christmas Eve, so we set out right after work for Birmingham! As you can see below, it SNOWED on Christmas day! So exciting! It was so good to see everyone and spend some time with family and friends. I didn't want to leave!

My parents house in Trussville on Christmas morning






Two wonderful women, my mom and grandmother

My wonderful husband ;)

Me, Grandmother, and Steph (my cousin who I never see but love to death. I feel that she is more like the sister I never had than a cousin)

Me, Steph, and Granddad

All ( well, most) of the gang back together...I miss these girls so much! It seems that the older we get, the harder it is to stay in touch and keep up with everyone, which makes me really sad. There were several girls who couldn't make it, but we had a lot of fun with those who did and missed those that couldn't be there. Also, a big thanks to Lauren and Brad for letting us invade their home for the night. The food was great, but the company was even better.

After a fun-filled weekend in Birmingham, it was time to hit the road and travel north for a Little Christmas in Huntsville. As you can see we had a huge feast prepared by none other than the Little women minus Mummi. We thought Mummi deserved a holiday off after preparing such a fantastic Thanksgiving meal for everyone, and it just so happened to be Mummi and Doc's anniversary!

Kate loved her "ancient elf ball" given to her by her Uncle Johnny and Aunt Katie.

...and her Nerf gun...

We miss this little girl so much.

Here we are playing a thrilling game of Dirty Santa. The presents are gifts Mummi found in her closet but never gave to anyone.

Our good times in Huntsville had to come to end, unfortunately, as we made our way back to Florence to spend the night before hitting the road again. The next day we headed north, once again, but this time we were facing a twelve hour drive to Snowshoe, WV! Jonathan and I both enjoy road trips, so the drive up was a lot of fun.

Here we are at dinner the first night!

And it's time to hit the slopes! And by slopes, I mean the bunny slope...for me anyway :)

This was my first time to try snowboarding! I am determined to be either a skier or a snowboarder, as I married into a family full of incredibly talented athletes who are pros at their chosen winter sport. Since I tried my hand at skiing a couple of years ago and didn't take to it too well, I decided to give snowboarding a shot. I had a very patient and encouraging coach to help me along the way. And don't let these pictures fool you. I spent most of the trip on my rear-end. I chose to share these pictures instead ;)