Dear Kate,
This year we got to celebrate Christmas with both sides of the family! Usually we have to split it up every other year and this year was our year to miss the Clark Christmas and spend Christmas in Munford with Mimi and fam, but because of conflicts with the other Clarks, we all got to celebrate Christmas together on the Saturday before Christmas!! Hooray! AND, we got to have it at our house again, a double hooray!! We went many years without things at our house so I am extra excited when I get to host! Usually we have a fancy dinner, but this year, since we weren't actually doing it on Christmas Eve like usual, we decided to change the meal up, too. We went for lots and lots of appetizers and it worked out perfectly. Everyone ate at their own pace and we were all pleased with so much variety. We did lots of socializing, as well, and you found Princess Alexis and didn't want to leave her side and even got Kipper to join in.
It was so nice just hanging out, catching up, and of course, petting Knox.
This picture makes me laugh because I can't imagine what your cousin Spencer is even saying.
After awhile, and before we started opening presents, we set up for our family photo. We try to get at least one picture of everyone. Our family keeps getting bigger and bigger, but we keep making it work. Aunt Steph and I went to work on turning the couch around, getting more light, and aiming the camera. You and Sister 'helped' out, too...
And then we start the process of dragging in the adults... This part usually is the hardest!
But we finally got everyone, even oh Knoxie!!
(I think you were over getting your picture at this point!!)
Next up, presents!!!!
You were very impressed with your Minnie Mouse bag and inside was an Aladdin and Jasmine Little People AND the magic carpet. We had fun watching everyone else open gifts, too, including Carly who got the infamous gift card holder. There is a little ball that you have to twist around and around until you get it in the right spot in order to get your gift card out.
And this year, we had a special guest. Uncle Martin's mum was in the states for Christmas. We gave her noodles shaped like guitars, you know, because she's in Nashville. She thought that was pretty cool!
Papa Larry got a special date night gift...
And I was super pumped to give Aunt Amy her present. She has a party every year and talks about it ALL YEAR LONG so I gave her a special countdown to the party!
But really this was Aunt Amy's present. It's a necklace that says "Love Always" in your grandmother's handwriting. By far my favorite gift given ever.
But then right after she opened hers, Uncle Martin opened his from Uncle Jaybee and it was trumped! UJ put together an old picture of UM's stepdad and him and Mum sailing. UM's stepdad passed away this year and so it meant a lot to UM. Also, UM cries at everything, so at this he was bawling like a baby. It's a family joke now that Aunt Amy didn't shed a tear because UM shed enough for all of them :)
Then Daddy got his! He's been waiting for this forever. It's a framed something or the other and involves the Music City Miracle. I'll let him explain that one to you one day...
Even old Knoxie enjoyed everyone's company.
It got late and you and Kipper decided our bed was the best bed to lay in, and you even convinced Aunt Amy to get in with you.
Everyone had a good night sleep and the next morning we had a lovely breakfast. You and Kipper decided you didn't need any new toys for Christmas and instead preferred playing in the dog crate.
To each, his own! It was a lovely Christmas with the Clarks. We were all happy we got to have a Christmas with them this year. After breakfast, we packed up our gear and headed to Munford for a week long celebration!!
Merry Christmas little bit! Love you.
