It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

It really is. You just have to stay on pace and keep your sanity, so that you can enjoy it. Which is no less than one of the year's biggest challenges, every year.

It does help if you have a fabulous family. By rights, I should be absolutely bonkers right now. We've had company staying with us more days than not in December, and have had my brother's wedding, my sister-in-law's graduation, and the Sugg family Christmas to entertain us. But because all of the extended family are unusually precious, it has all been a joy. And I realize that's a lot of sentiment to share, but if I can't do it now, when can I?

So, for those of you still out there, here's what we've been doing.

First, we celebrated as these two got married. After all, if you tuck your jeans into your boots, even as a joke, you're lucky to find someone as awesome as Lyndi.

They got married at this church.

And these two were among the solemn witnesses.


Then, we celebrated as this one graduated from the U of M. We're proud of you, Wiff.


We also enjoyed the company of ALL of those who came to celebrate said graduation. But Kayle is usually first on the list of adored Lareaus.

Then it was time for the school Christmas program...always a joy, and usually one of the hardest laughs of the year as well. Since I'm feeling sentimental, I'm going to share the video that took place before she started stretching her dress over her chin and wearing her reindeer antlers over her eyes. I'll entertain you with that during the dismal weeks of February, or somethin'.



Here's a picture from that day that I like to call Crazy Southern Girls.


Later that evening, the precious Huddlestons came by to visit. Rest assured, the craziness continued.


And then it was time for Sugg Christmas.


First we read the Christmas story. We'll assume that Mer's look of barely subdued glee has as much to do with the story of Jesus as it does to do with the presents. But she's only 3.

The grownups will teach the little ones how to share, as Chris and Matthew received a router. They're working out a visiting rights schedule. And, yes, that's Matthew's happy face. And Chris' manly face.

Lyndi (Ninny) performed her auntly duties by removing the Cabbage Patch from it's wrapping. It took about an hour and a half to get through 3 layers of cardboard, 20 plastic straps, and 72 twist ties. I am so glad it wasn't me.

And now....Now we're fixin' to relax for 36 hours before Round Two. See you soon.