I bit late with my update. Normally like to do every couple weeks, but with the crazyness which was the holidays followed by the back to work rush, I’m a bit late.
As always, Christmas was fantastic. Time with the family and friends is my favorite parts. Holidays started out as always with the Shannon, the kids and myself out to get a tree. This years was a big one! I believe it measured in around 13-14′ feet. Was kinda hard to determine but it was HUGE.
Even though Shannons’ Mom and Dave were away this Christmas we still had no shortage of family fun! After church on Christmas Eve, we headed out to the Shoups for round one of snacks and jokes. This has long been my favorite part of Christmas. It’s the calm before the storm. Home to bed and we slept while Santa did his thing. Woke up in the morning to find the fat man in a red suit stopped by and did his thing. Kids were beyond stoked. So we loaded everything up, and back to the Shoups we went for the crazy opening frenzy with the entire extended family. Still blows my mind that I’m now in my mid 30’s and this tradition has somehow carried on. Goes to show how close my family really is. After what felt like a millions presents were opened and everyone was sufficiently spoiled, we had a big breakfast and then loaded up for the next stop.
Next up: Off top Nana and Poppa Jeffs in Hamilton. Spoiling continued there of course. Still not sure where we are going to find homes for all the stuff the kids got but we’ll make it work. Dinner with the Woodalls was excellent. Some of Shannon’s cousins were in which made Joey and Abby’s day. Nearly had to drag them out of the house to head home at bed time. Once the festivities finished up, we all went home for a much needed sleep.
Boxing day: Back to the Shoups for yet another Christmas feast. Boxing day is not always a turkey dinner, ususally left over and some additional items depending on how many would make it out. Well, my favorite part of any family meal is the stuffing. Specifically the way my family does it. Yes, others are OK, but the recipe that i’ve been eating since childhood is THE correct way to make it. Now because we alternate Christmas dinners (one year my side, next year Shannons) I don’t always get my family stuffing. And being a Woodall year, I feared I would have to wait on the ‘good stuff’. Well Uncle Shoupie went above and beyond and made another turkey dinner COMPLETE with the good stuffing. What better way could I finish off the Christmas dinner extravaganza?! Thank you SO much. The scale wasn’t happy, but I sure was.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this holiday a great one!
Part 2 –
New Years Eve was spent at Katie and Brians freshly finished house. Amazing to see how far the house has come in 8-10 months. Especially seeing how the work was all done while getting ready for their wedding. Did a great job guys. As for the party, was as to be expected. House full of loud and crazy family with great food. Just the way I like it!
Because Shannons Mom and Step Dad were away over the holidays, we had to postpone Christmas until they got home. It was quiet afternoon with lots of laughs and yummy food. It was just the 6 of us, so it was much quieter then most of the other festivities over the last couple weeks, but the quiet was welcomed.
Unfortunately after we left Shannons Moms place, late in the night, her Mom got the call that Grandma Bobby wasn’t doing very well. Mary Jane quickly went to her home, and shortly thereafter she passed away. I don’ really know what else I can say, other then she will be missed. Rest in Peace Bobby
