A Griswald oh, I mean...A Johnston Christmas!!

On Friday, December 22nd, we celebrated Christmas at my mom and dad's. We ate a huge turkey and ham dinner...by the way, my mom is the best cook in the world. The kids opened presents and then we played a Poker Tournament...I, of course won. My 91 year old grandmother came and she enjoyed watching the excitement. Another year come and gone.

1st Annual Cookie Exchange

Thanks to Kim for a great cookie party at the Mosser Mansion. It was so fun to see everyone before Christmas...I especially loved seeing everyone's kids. Unfortunately, I didn't get to stay long because I had Christmas at my parents that evening but it was still fun while it lasted.

There were so many kids that when I kicked these two scary dolls, I was horrified I just bruised a two-year old's ribs. Fix their hair, Dolores. That's just wrong.

Two pretty girls...thank goodness they are six years apart and can't get into trouble together.

Happy Birthday, Ava!! You are a doll.

I GOT IT

Hays is so good!!! He got me something off of my Wish List. I got a 10 mp Canon Rebel 400. It's so incredible. Thanks to whomever tipped him off. Appreciate your help tons. If you thought I had slowed down on the blogging, well just get ready. I can't quit taking pictures. Yea for Hays...I love it.

Keepin' Up with the Joneses

The weekend before Christmas, my mom's family met together to celebrate the holidays in Post, TX. It's been a long time since I have partied in Post but we did and we had a great time doing it. My mom has two sisters and three brothers. Most of their family attended, such as my cousins, Mike, Brent, Trey and Kay Jones. Some were not able to make the trip and we missed them bunches. We had a poker tournament, an auction, Chinese Christmas and even a dance. The kids even got to hold some roosters...don't ask!!! Good times!!

My niece, Kristin and my father, Donny! I can't believe she is 18.

Blaze wasn't even afraid...you couldn't get me near the things.

She really thought she was going to take one home. NOT!

My Mom and Dad and sister, Kari and brother, Lance. It's been many years since we have had a family picture.

Don't let Blaze fool you...he wasn't asleep. He just didn't want to open his eyes for the camera. They were both exhausted!

Final table at the Jones' Poker Tournament. Dad won first, Hays won second and I got third.

My cousins ~ Trey, Brent, Mike and Kay. We are still so close even after all these years and all the miles that separate us. Love you guys!

Johnston Christmas Celebration

We celebrated my grandmother's 91st Christmas Saturday evening. She had the best time and just laughed and smiled the whole time. Of course, the quintuplets were there with Jamie and her boyfriend, John. They are all such a hoot and getting so big. They turn 7 on the 16th of this month. Happy Birthday, boys! Wendy and Shannon hosted the event and we were all very appreciative as it's hard to find a place for so many people. It was so good to see my cousins, Becky and Carla. We all don't get together enough. Thanks Granny for being responsible for everyone at the party. We wouldn't be here if it weren't for you and Grandad! Love you!

Annual Christmas Party

What a fun party! BUT, it always is. We celebrated the holiday season once again at Jennifer and Eric's house on Saturday evening. The food was great, the music was fun and the spirits were definitely flowing. As if you can't tell by the pictures...I accidentally put these in the wrong order. Kudos to Amy Smith for being such a trooper...12 weeks pregnant!! Thanks Jen and Eric for hosting such a great party year after year!!

Okay, we are trying to pose here but something terrible happened...look below!

I don't think we made it all the way to the floor!!

Finished product!

I can't remember this couple's names but I LOVE them! They are so fun and this was their second party to attend. They are the greatest!

Fellow party-goers!

Lance finally decided to make it to a Christmas Party! It was so good having him...he actually attended these annual parties long before I started attending them. Good to have you back, Ne.

A few of the hostesses...unfortunately, we didn't get a picture with every hostess like we usually try to do!!

Love this picture...got ya back, Averi!!

Guys just hate pictures but you certainly can't tell it by this picture of John, Pat, Dub, Todd, Adam and Lance!!

The decorations were great...the theme was black and white. The girls spent so much time making sure everything looked so pretty and festive. These pictures were awesome...they were various pictures from the previous parties that have taken place over the last 13 or so years. Wow...what a tradition!

Amy Smith, Kerry Kern and Emily Houchin...so pretty!

The Joys of Being in Amarillo

We received 7.5 inches of snow on Thursday, November 30th. The kids didn't have to go to school but we didn't have the proper attire during the day so after Hays got home from work, he took the kids outside for an hour or so. Thanks to Tiffeni for providing my kiddos with snowgear. We aren't used to stocking up on snow clothes and boots but I will make sure they have plenty now since we have moved to a colder climate. That is still so weird to me being we are only two hours north of Lubbock. Oh well, it's something we will get used to over time.

Snow Fashion!!

Thought you regular "bloggers" would appreciate this post! I did not have any snow gear as well so I had to "make do" with what I had. I got these yummy boots from Papa Bill last Christmas and they were the closest thing to snow boots I have so I wore them out to take pictures of the kids playing in the snow. Notice the fantastic prints they make in the snow. So, or should I say, snow fashionable!!!