Saturday, January 07, 2012

Our Christmas visit with the Richey/Lawsons

Cathi dropped us off at Val and Dave's house on the evening of the 22nd.  We said good-bye and gave hugs and kisses to Cathi, Sean, Bailey, Patience and Jordyn, and wished them a very merry Christmas.

We got a most enthusiastic greeting from Maxx, Val and Dave's daschund.  He was SO excited to see me and wanted to be picked up and petted for awhile - it was hysterical!

Val had a chicken pot pie in the oven, and Lindsay, Jake, Madi and Kendra came over and had dinner with us.  I hadn't seen Kendra since she was just a tiny baby, and Lee hadn't met her yet, so it was lots of fun to play with her.  She's almost 5 months old (Jan 9th) and just the happiest baby!  She's like her sister Madi was - when she smiles she smiles all over her little face!

On Friday the 23rd, Val had errands to run and Lee and I hung out and had a quiet day.

All of Val's kids were coming home for Christmas so we were all waiting anxiously for the arrival of Kelsey and Cody.  We all went to a movie that afternoon - we saw the new Sherlock Holmes movie - very good!!   Codys' friend, Abby joined us Christmas eve as well, so it was lots of fun.  Lindsay, Jake and the girls came for dinner, as well.  A full and happy house!

On Christmas eve all of the kids opened one present - the annual Christmas pajamas!  That's a tradition at Val's house.  Everyone was very happy with their new pajamas, although Madi thought that the gift-opening should just continue!  

We had a leisurely Christmas morning.  Hailey was the first "child" awake - and that wasn't till about 8:00 am!  We rousted Kelsey out about 9:00, and the gift opening began!  Apparently all of us were very good, as we were very spoiled with our gifts.

Lindsay, Jake and the girls came over after their Christmas and we got to enjoy them opening their gifts.  Christmas really is all about kids!  Madi was very happy with everything she got.  Val and Dave fixed a prime rib dinner for Christmas, we did lots of visiting, and played a game after dinner.  A full and wonderful Christmas day.

On the 26th, Val, Hailey and I went shopping!!  Dave and Lee opted to stay at home - can you imagine?!  There were some killer deals to be had out there, and we shopped till we pretty much dropped.  Then it was home to leftovers for dinner and a relaxing evening.

Tuesday was another quiet day - Val had to work - and we spent some time getting organized and packed and ready for our 6:30 pm flight home.  The flights went very smoothly and we got home about midnight.  Long day, but we had such a wonderful time with everyone!  

Lindsay and a very happy Kendra!

Abby and Cody

Valarie, Madi and Hailey

Valarie, Kendra and Hailey

Val, Kendra, Kelsey and Hailey

Kendra and Daddy - and yes, this baby has brown eyes!

Kelsey and Hailey and their Christmas eve pajamas

Gigi giving Kendra a bottle.

Yay!  New boots!!

Drill bits to go with Cody's new drill

Dave's new laptop bag

A DVD player and movies for Kelsey!

Romeos!!  PURPLE Romeos!!

And a carrier for the DVD player.  Also the warm fuzzy blanket that Kelsey is wrapped up in!

Cody's drill

RED Romeos for Val!

And what's this?

Nice!!

Dave got Val her very own drill so that she doesn't have to borrow his.

We got a wonderful trip!  A two night stay at the Benbow Inn in Garberville!  We LOVE that place!  Can't wait to use it!  Thanks everyone!

Kendra hanging out with Uncle Cody

Grandma, Madi, Kendra and Great-grandma!

Happy baby!

One of Kendra's Christmas gifts

A new addition to Val and Dave's snowman collection!

Kendra, Cody and Lindsay

Kendra seems to be asking Uncle Cody if Madi is qualified to hold her

Madi got this adorable table and chairs for Christmas, and Grandma, Madi, Lindsay and Kelsey are having a tea party with her!  Except that I see that Grandma has a glass of wine...

Under the heading of truth in advertising!  This adorable sign is at our front door - Thanks, Lindsay, Jake, Madi and Kendra

Here's a cute video of Cody and Kendra:

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