Ragin Cajun Christmas

I put way too many pictures in my posts. I'm working on it.

Our buddies from the north headed down for a Ragin Cajun Christmas, to continue our tradition of a "Christmas" weekend together. This was the 4th Annual-and certainly provided different opportunities than our previous ones in the tundra have.


The girls waiting (im)patiently for their friends to arrive!

I'm such a sucker for a good reunion.

Reese with her first love.

I love food. Christina is one of the better cooks you'll encounter. It's a wonderful combination.

Fun at the playground.

More fun out with no kiddos!!

Yikes!

I think Reese has inherited my disdain for the fedora. Hate the sin, love the sinner. :)

I already regret putting this picture up, but I love how she always cuddles up on the shelf. She's already looking so big-can't imagine what she will seem like when she is ousted from her baby role!

Waiting patiently for their gifts...

NEW PJ's!!!!! (not sure how much longer we will get away with them thinking this is exciting)

Nin was upset that I didn't have mistletoe in my house, so I did the only logical thing and bought the mistletoe candle. I caught Mr. DeKorne underneath it. Lucky me.

Dave had Mark's name for the gift exchange this year and made him this awesome gift. Our life has certainly been an adventure this year! He found those cool vintage plates on ebay of all the states we've lived in. He also crafted our oh so special door that's my favorite thing in our house. Thanks Dave for making us cool stuff!

Given our location, we decided this year's theme for photos would be "yacht club casual".

Mark and Greg went a little more "Macy's men's ad".

My friend Meredith told me if I hold my arm like this it will make me look skinnier. It only works marginally when you're standing next to a skinny person-but I'll take all the tricks I can.

Still trying. I'm sure I'll look like I belong on the cover of US Weekly in no time.

Mark and Cruz buddy

Sugar cookies!

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

The good news: We had a fabulous Thanksgiving.

The bad news: The plants did not. We are journaling about it and hopefully will have better luck next time.

We were able to get to Kentucky a day early so that we could play even longer! (While it may look like beads that's actually spaghetti. Silly you.)

A whole lotta baking going on. So happy to see those cutie nieces!!!

Love this deep conversation!

My family has a little bit of a coffee problem. And a BIG fear of running out.

The only time Ava has allowed a bow in her hair in 2011.

My Mom is such a great cook.

Seriously, Pioneer Woman has nothing on my mama.

Mom and Dad waited for the kids to clear out so they could take over the coloring station.

Awesome uncles.

Praying before our meal. (well, we weren't praying yet or obviously our eyes would be closed)

Look at those cute siblings.

With 22 people in one house you sometimes have to just play under the table.

Word to the wise: Scandinavian people should NOT take pictures in the sun.

Mark continued to expand his haircuttery.

Reese knows exactly who the softies are. :)

But look how sweet she is. How could you deny her.

Obviously nobody in our family is a photographer, hence the shadowy sunniness. But still a nice shot of the family of origin.

And check this out-the very FIRST picture we took! Besides Kaiya not smiling and Reese half hidden, everyone is looking and happy! (We missed Max, Sam, and Kevin this year!!!)

Much to be thankful for!!!