Christmas 2011 Part 4: Christmas in my hometown

Last stop on the Christmas 2011 tour was Abilene. We got to town the night of the 27th and were glad to have some time to spend with Cookie and Papa.



Because my parents know how to really live it up they decided to buy a new toilet for themselves for Christmas. Oh no, that's not quite right. They had to buy a new toilet because one broke and they didn't think one toilet would be sufficient for the 13 people that would be there for Christmas! Either way, we decided to take a picture with the plumbing truck and old toilet for memory's sake!



Jeff, Ami, and crew arrived the afternoon of the 28th. The kids picked up right where they left off in November and were so happy to see each other again! All the Brown girls were dressed in hot pink and black and Addie was too-it made the perfect photo op for the youngest (Hallie) and oldest granddaughter.



Brock and Livvy played together quite a bit this visit.



Addie and Ellery took time out to read a new book.



Doak just loves babies and was often found next to Hallie, giving her a gentle kiss or talking to her.



Kiran and Doak worked and played hard with Legos.



That night we ate an easy sandwich dinner so we could get the kids bathed and ready for present opening.



We lined the kids up by age and started out with stockings.



I found some of Jeff's old jams (aka homemade 1980's shorts) and put them in his stocking. We all laughed about the jams and then Jeff tried them on..............I'll spare you that picture but just picture biker shorts! Wow! Jeff will do anything for a laugh!



Ami and sweet Hallie watched from the couch



Then we moved to the living room for gifts. Papa passed out while the kids waited as patiently as they could.







Cookie, Papa, and sleepy Hallie



the girls: Hallie 4 months, Addie 6.5, Ellery 4.5, Olivia almost 2



Kiran and Doak were happy to have a friend to play boy games with-nerf guns, legos, star wars, etc



And a little break for mobigo time



Sweet Hallie was precious and we loved spending time with all our family in Abilene.



After some good hugs from Cookie it was time to head home on the 30th. I'm sad to say that four stops and one week away from home was a little overwhelming and I wasn't full of holiday cheer during the whole visit. But I'm still thankful for time with family and hope next year to be better prepared so I can enjoy every second!