A Street Family Christmas Story

This Christmas, we went to North Carolina to see my family. It was the first time my parents were having everyone come there for Christmas. Unfortunately, it wouldn't be everyone because Matthew's still on his mission in Brazil, and my sister and her family live 12 hours away in Mississippi. It would still be fun though. At least we'd get to see Josh and meet his girlfriend, Jessica. I'd also get to spend time with my Granny. Before we got there, my Dad forewarned me about Granny's behavior. I knew her Alzheimer's was getting worse, but I didn't realize how much until we were actually there. The disease has begun to set in so much that she's starting to forget my mom. She remembers my mom as the young Gail, but she has no idea that Gail has aged. Anyway, it was sad to see the confusion in her face and the frustration with herself. She knows something's not right, but she can't do anything about it. I felt so bad.

Josh has been in the military for the past several weeks. He decided he'd go into the Army Reserve and get some training to become a combat nurse. He says he hates the basic training and can't wait to get to the next part. I'm sure none of it is going to be a walk in the park.

My parents are doing well. They're always so busy with work and church. For being ...well, partial empty-nesters, they stay extremely busy. Life certainly won't be slowing down for them any time soon, however. As much as they dread it, they'll be moving again! Looks like Dad's been presented a great opportunity with another job, but this time it's in Illinois! They're sad to leave the beautiful North Carolina and all of their friends, but I hope that Illinois will be good to them as well. They deserve it.

As if this post can't get any larger. Sorry y'all. Here's some pictures of Christmas.

I knew this would happen. It was inevitable with Trapper constantly talking about how him and Josh were gonna play the wii all night long. And they certainly did that.

SURPRISE! My sister and her family drove the twelve hours and surprised us on Christmas Eve morning. It was the best present ever! I hadn't seen them since Easter of 2008! Ridiculous. They were so tired that Trin fell asleep right on the living room floor after they'd been there for only 15 minutes.

My niece and nephews. (from left: Connor, Carson, and Noah) It's so crazy how fast they grow up. I could tell you a few stories of my time with them, but this post is already long enough. To put it, I LOVE THEM!

The awe of Christmas morning.

Jackson gets ANOTHER CAR! WITH NOISE! woot. Thanks, grandparents. : P After he opened up this gift, he had no desire to open anything else.

Carson, my little babysitter. Her and Braden got lots of bonding time.

Trin is my sister's husband. It was so good to see him again, and to finally have Jackson understand who he is...well sorta, I guess. Jackson's pretending to spear him with this sword. That's actually Connor or Noah's gift that he's playing with. My brother, Josh, bought them swords so they could beat each other up. And that, they surely did. I even got a few spanks or pokes every now and then.

I was really grateful to Trin in this particular photo. I wanted to go see a movie with Trapper, and Trin offered to watch Braden for us. They look so sweet together.

Me and Jessica (Josh's girlfriend). We went on a double date to see Avatar in 3D. It was lots of fun hanging with her. She's a very sweet girl, and I daresay, a good match for Josh.

My brother and Jessica.

When's the last time Trapper and I've had a random picture like this taken?

New Year's Kiss

White grape juice and settlers baby!! To start out the new year, my brother won two games of settlers in a row. Let's hope that says this new year will be a success for him.

My devoted and loving parents. May the new year be a success for them as well in Illinois!