Christmas 2008

Ashley and I started our Christmas 2008 started a week before actual Christmas. We celebrated Christmas with his family before we left for Arkansas. We were showered with wonderful and way too many gifts, but all much appreciated!!! The most original gift came from my awesome father-in-law who got me a University of South Carolina cap and koozie......Ashley didn't think it was funny, but everyone else got a kick out of it. Thanks everyone for all the gifts!!!

We then left out for Arkansas with both dogs in tow. We actually left the afternoon of the 19th and came home the 29th, so we had 10 days in Arkansas. The longest visit we have ever had and we definitely took advantage and enjoyed every minute of it!!!!

One of my very dear friends, Alana, had a little angel on December 6th and so I definitely got plenty of visit time and rocking chair time with Corbin Max Barker, well when my mom wasn't holding him that is. She is very selfish!

This is Alana before Corbin came out. Alana only gained 12 pounds and was back in her pre-pregnancy jeans within 3 weeks. She is my idol!

Isn't that the most precious face??!! I couldn't get enough.

Corbin and I getting in a little rocking time. His little outfit had Santas on the pockets.

My mom cross-stitched mine and my brother's stockings when we were little and now that Ashley is a part of our family she cross-stitched him one this year. It is absolutely beautiful and she did an awesome job! It really meant a lot to me and Ashley that she took the time to do this for us. Thanks Mom!

Christmas Eve is spent at my great aunt's house. This is my dad's side of the family. There are tons of people there and is always a crazy, but fun time! After dinner we play Bingo for presents that people bring. Most of the presents come from the dollar store, but its still fun to play. Normally Zack and I dominate the Bingo game, but this year some of our cousins took over and needless to say we didn't take this very well. Here are some pictures at my parent's house before we took off for the Eve festivities.

Christmas morning we wake up to my dad banging a metal spoon in a metal pot yelling "Merry Christmas!". My parents got us all a ton of gifts and we loved them all! My brother came to visit around Thanksgiving and while he was here I had him take pictures with Ashley and I to give to my parents for Christmas. She absolutely loved them! She had to wade through the tears to see them. At lunch time on Christmas Day, we have all of our immediate family over for lunch. We even had Santa Clause come by with gifts.

These are my awesome grandparents!!

The rest of the time was spent with my friends and doing some serious relaxing and eating! I got to spend a lot of time with my best friend Kakki. We only get to see each other when I go home, but I honestly could not live without her. She is my heart!

This is Kakki's son Gatlin, or as he likes to be called.....Gun, G-Man, G-Unit....he has several nicknames and no one really ever knows which one is his favorite at the time. He is definitely the oldest and funniest 10 year old I have ever seen. He got a half-pipe skateboarding ramp for Christmas. His grandmother had it built in her back yard. It is like a half-pipe you see on the X-Games....it's huge! Oh and did I mention he is 10!

Max and Gatlin are best friends and they had no idea I took this picture.

I am trying to rap this up, but we were there for 10 days and I am sure there is stuff I am leaving out. But, it wouldn't be a trip home if I didn't go back to the place I worked in college (Kakki and my mom both worked with me). It is a restaurant with karaoke. I know it sounds cheesy, but it is super fun! I think they were up to something....they look guilty!

It wouldn't be complete if we didn't sing!

We had an awesome time in Arkansas! I am definitely blessed to have the family and friends (both in SC and AR). I love you all!!!!!