Christmas 2009...Brothertons, Walkers, Bickles

It seems we are always going going going at Christmastime. We have so many celebrations to attend. I hate to admit this, but it was so much easier and peaceful when we were stationed far away! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE being close to family, but even as I sit and type this three days later, I'm exhausted. I noticed this year that I just wasn't much in the picture taking mood like I usually am. By the time we went to my inlaw's on the 26th, I think I took like three pictures!

First stop: Christmas Eve (day) at my parent's.






Seth earned lots of "AWANA bucks" this year and spent most of his earnings on gifts for everyone. It was so cute...he was so excited to give the grandparents their gifts. He's so generous! He got my mom this bath and body set with a new testament Bible. :)

And he got my step-dad a Christmas candle holder with a candle in it.

Seth has been wanting this for a long time! De-De and Ke-Ka came through!

My step-dad and Nathan both love UnderArmour clothing. Nathan was thrilled (can't tell in this photo, he wasn't feeling great) to get this shirt!

Second stop: Christmas Eve (night). My uncle Donnie and aunt Mil's (Walker) house. This is my mom's side of the family. She has one sister and four brothers and most of them were there. Of course I got photos of mostly kids.

Seth and his cousin Taylor. These guys are good friends and play well when we get together. They are only 5 months apart.

My cousins Reese and Kara

My cousin Mark and his youngest daughter, Kara. Mark and his brother Brian are like my brothers more than cousins. We are still very close.

My sweet Papaw Walker with Seth and Jonathan. Papaw was diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus in April of this year. He had surgery to remove the cancer and then chemo. He really has had a rough time with all of it. At times, we were wondering if he'd make it, but now, he's doing SO well! Has his memory back, more of a voice, and he's gaining weight and strenth each day.

I'm not fond of this picture of me, but I will treasure it forever!

He even sang and played the guitar!

The youngest of the Walker clan...Rhett. He is so precious! Sure makes me miss mine being that little.

Rhett (and Reese's) parents, Brian and Elizabeth.

Mom and Jonathan

Mom and Seth

Jonathan and Seth with my step-dad Tim. They call him, "Ke-Ka". My mom started dating Tim when Jonathan was just a newborn. They are both widowed and we can all see how God had his hands on them and their meeting. Tim is the only grandfather that my boys know and they love each other so much! He treats them like his own and is so good to them. We are blessed for having Ke-Ka!

We even got to see snow falling!! It wasn't cold enough to stick, but it was sure beautiful coming down. I miss the snow.

Third stop: December 26th, The Bickle's home. My inlaw's, Nathan's family.

Jonathan and his Pa-Pa

The boys about to eat lunch. My mother in law made her awesome sauce and we had spaghetti.

We celebrated with Nathan's parents, brother, sister and brother in law, and some family friends.