A White Christmas

What a busy Christmas we have had! We have been so fortunate to see many of our friends and family this holiday season. If we didn't get to you, then maybe the Verdi Train will be coming soon to a town near you!

The festivities started last Wednesday when the Driskells and the McGraths came over to have Christmas jambalaya. It is tradition that we get together a few nights before Christmas every year. This year we were blessed with two new additions; Kathryn and Gavin got christened into the bunch, and we are so excited for many more play dates and vacations to come! Blair is really into holding babies, and I think she wants to adopt Kathryn as her baby sister. Quinn may put up a good fight for her.

Nonna and Pappy came into town on Christmas Eve just in time for things to get really geared up. We started the day off with making some cookies for Santa. Blair wasn't really getting the point that we have to "bake" them before eating them, but she quickly recovered when I let her toss sprinkles all over the floor. You all know I'm not really big into messes ;)

Christmas Eve night we went to church to hear the story of Jesus and for the candle lighting ceremony. Blair was so entertained by all the live animals that marched through the sanctuary. She kept asking "where'd that donkey go?". It was so cute the way she said it. You could feel the Christmas spirit in the room, and I always love a good lighting of the candles.

Blair got home and got into bed pretty early so Santa could come visit our house. We had been telling her quite some time that he was coming and even asked her what she wanted. She had been telling us all month that she wanted macaroni and avocado. Finally, she changed her mind that kitchens were cool after visiting her cousin Harper. I woke Blair up at 7:45 on Christmas morning and she looked at me and said "Did Santa bring my kitchen?" Thank God he did!

Next up was the drive to Alabama to visit with more family. Just as we crossed the state line it started to snow. It really was a Christmas dream come true. I just kept humming the song "Christmas in Dixie." Felix loves it when I do that ;) We arrived just in time to Aunt June and Uncle Mack's house. It was beautifully decorated and all the family was there waiting on us. We had some good fixings, good beverages, and Blair got some great presents. There was also a lot of Auburn gifts to be opened since this was the magical season. We didn't hear much trash talking this year out of Uncle Mack and Uncle Johnny. There wasn't much to say.

And last but certainly not least, we headed to Pop and Mimi's house for a relaxing night of soup, snacks, and champagne. Blair had the hang of opening presents at that point, so she dove right in. Leave it to that Mimi to buy Blair the princess costume apparel that makes my skin crawl. Pardon my French, but if I farted anywhere near it, it would burst into flames. God, I hate that stuff. We will just hide the trunk until Mimi comes to visit next time ;) However, Felix and I got tickets to the BCS Championship game from Pop for Christmas, so I really can't do much complaining. I even got some great miniatures as an extra treat. They will fit great in my tall boots :)

So, that was the end of our Christmas extravaganza! We drove home Sunday in the snow, and it was a beautiful drive if I must say so myself. We have had some visitors this week, so stay tuned to more blog posts! I hope everyone had Merry Christmas and has a wonderful New Year!