Fa-ra-ra-ra-ra

There is nothing that reminds me of Christmas more than 24 hours of "A Christmas Story" (hence the title of the post). I have probably watched this movie at least 50 times in my life. It is such a classic, and makes me think of my Granddaddy Walt. He LOVED this movie, and we always watched it around Christmas time at his house (or all year long...). We all missed him this Christmas, but I am glad to have all of the wonderful memories of him with me always. We had a wonderful Christmas! We started with a Christmas lunch at the DuRant's house the weekend before Christmas. There is nothing more fun than being around little kids at Christmas time.

Our niece and nephew, Emmie and Walt, PRETTY excited about opening some Christmas presents.

Our nephew, William

Walt and Uncle Paul

Emmie and I playing with her new magnet doll set that we gave her.

Emmie got a Hello Kitty sleeping bag, and Riley thought it was very nice of Nana and Papa to get that comfortable sleeping bag just for him.


Christmas Eve we headed down to Charleston to stay at my mom's house. My granddad, Geno, taught me at a very young age how to gamble. We played A LOT of black jack, and the loser would be responsible for bringing dessert to the winners. My parents would come home to their 4 year daughter yelling, "bet it all, or sleep in the hall!" His lessons payed off, because Paul and I won the whole pot during the family poker game.

Paul, me, Riley, Grandma Fran, Geno, Dustin, Mom, and Henry (the dog) at her house Christmas Eve.

Our family :)

On Christmas Day, we headed to Wild Dunes to my Dad and step mom's beach house. We had a great time hanging out, eating dinner, and playing some apples to apples!

The newest addition to the family, my step sister, Jen's, baby Finn! So cute!

Paul and I on Christmas night.

Dad, me, and Dustin

Grandma Jane and her grandkids

It was a great Christmas. I was glad to get to spend some time with my family, especially my brother before he moves all the way across the country to San Francisco. We are so blessed to have such a wonderful, fun, loving family. I can't believe that 2010 is almost over! Time sure does FLY by. I am looking forward to an even BETTER 2011!