Christmas 2013

Off we go to Arkansas for Christmas again. I’d rather fly, but it was too expensive this time around, so we took the shiny new red truck for its first long drive. The entire trip was pleasant without any problems. Here are some pictures from our Christmas Eve party in Wes and Jenn’s house in Springdale, Arkansas. I didn’t take very many pics because I couldn’t get my camera settings correct, so they all turned out kind of blurry and blah. But it was a good time anyway! Enjoyed it very much.

After leaving Arkansas, we stopped in Dallas to visit with Holly’s aunt whom she hadn’t seen in 30 years. That turned out to be a great visit! We met Nabil & Toni Murad (Holly’s uncle and aunt), and their two sons Aly and Jamal, and daughter-in-law Melanie, and the cousins Vincent, Layla, Ava. Ivy just walked in and started playing with Vincent and Layla as if she’s known them for years. That was such a blessing because even though she has 2 cousins near her age in Houston, we never see them and she doesn’t even know they exist! We continued to enjoy the evening with some good food and lots of chit-chat, and even stayed overnight. Next morning, up and at ’em, and met up with one of Holly’s friends at Denny’s Restaurant for breakfast. Then headed on back to Houston.

As for Holly’s side of the family… the usual. Her immediate family never rallies together for holidays or any other reason. A relative said to me, “Well, that sure makes planning holidays much easier for you!” That’s true, but sad.

As for everyone else, this Christmas season turned out nice! It was a sweet spirit and lots of laughs and catching up. I really, really enjoyed it! It was good for me. Thanks y’all! I needed that. 🙂