Christmas Celebration #1 ~ Sherry's Family

We headed to Sherry's parents' the weekend before Christmas to give them some holiday cheer.  Sherry's mom has been in rehab for a couple of weeks after undergoing shoulder replacement surgery, and she got to come home for Christmas.  Nana and Papa enjoyed getting to see their six grand babies enjoying Christmas together.  It gets a little crazy in their cozy little house when we all get together, but it is always a great time.  We ordered a yummy barbecue feast (Sherry's parents live in barbecue capitol of the world in eastern NC so getting some good barbecue is a must).  Seriously, the best barbecue sauce in the world (Scott's) is made right in their hometown of Goldsboro (also home to Seymour Johnson Air Force base were Papa proudly served until he retired as a Master Sergeant).  Of course, the kids haven't really learned to appreciate the great barbecue yet, but we are still hopeful for them.  I am sure Brody will soon love it as much as we do!

Evan and Brody enjoy their new chairs from Nana and Papa.  NC State for these boys, and UNC Tarheels for Sherry's brother's kids. 

Evan trying to give his little brother love and Brody pushing him away...this is pretty typical  of Brody lately. 

And Brody showing off his "I need my nose wiped" face. 

Sweet caresses from big brother. 

The first present pile before Uncle Paul and Aunt Jessica's contributions. 

Cousin Emma - 8 going on 18

The kids enjoy having their own table at Nana's and Papa's. 

No, most of this food did not get eaten although Brody and Cate did go behind them picking at the leftovers. 

My wild men!

The present opening begins.  Reade gets a cool dinosaur present. 

Brody was a pro at opening presents and loved his new Bruder truck.  

Lanny with his pirate "booty."  He loves pirates.  

Brody working to get his truck out. 

Aunt Jessica helps cousin Cate open her presents. 

One of Emma's presents from Aunt Sherry.  Aunt Sherry told her she used to make these when she was little.  

One of Evan's presents from Uncle Paul and Aunt Jessica.  He couldn't open his other present until Christmas because he got games and accessories for his new DS. 

Reade loved his Optimus Prime.  Cousin Evan has taught him all about Transformers. 

Lanny had to stand on the couch to open his new baseball bat. 

Emma's main gift from Aunt Sherry was some big girl books.  Two volumes of the Mandie series that Aunt Sherry loved when she was a young girl.  Perfect for blond haired blue eyed girls who live in NC.  

She can't wait to begin reading this series as Aunt Sherry told her about all the adventures Mandie has. 

Brody and Cate find a way to play with their toys together by putting Cate's blocks in Brody's truck. 

In all the chaos, we discovered that cousin Reade grew a little tail. 

It was a cute little tail. 

Brody got more cars!

Papa enjoys watching all the chaos. 

Cate said there wasn't even room to walk. 

Mommy helps her baby open his last present. 

Aunt Jessica opens a pretty aqua sweater and necklace from us. 

And guess what Aunt Jessica got me? 

A rare picture of Uncle Eddie and cousin Cate...he had snacks!

So sweet!

Uncle Paul really enjoyed playing with Optimus Prime. 

And now for a family game of soccer. 

Uncle Paul doesn't cut the boys any slack. 

All of the kids enjoyed a little fun outdoors. 

Cate wanted to play tag with Brody. 

Cate also loved Santa's mailbox on the porch. 

And this is a tired baby after just the first Christmas celebration!  

The next day, Christmas Eve, we headed home to begin our own little Christmas celebration.