Louisiana Christmas'

We packed up and headed to Shreveport the day after Christmas.  Eli was running a slight fever and had a terrible cough, but he was a trooper on the road trip.  It was great to see all of the family, and for a lot of them, that was the first time meeting Eli.  And It always makes it a little easier when you have great in laws and family!!

The first Shreveport Christmas we had with his mom and her parents.  Derek's grandpa and grandma (GGP & GGM to Eli). Grandpa goes all out an a traditional Christmas feast - so delicious!!!

 Aunt Leah and Franky

 Great Grandpa (GGP), Leah, and Terri (Eli's Neena)

 GGP & GGM!

The second Christmas, we headed over across town to have with his Dad's side of the family.  Thank you so much Joy and family - Ann Cherie, Maggie, and Laura.  They opened up their lovely home and let us stay there.  They were so nice letting us stay with them - Eli was sick and totally off schedule, so it didn't make for fun nights.  Eli really only slept if he was being held.  Regardless, we had so much fun.  Even though this was the first time Eli and I "formally met" most of the family, it felt like I have known them forever.  Half of the family drove in from Mississippi - so Shreveport was a great middle point for everybody. We can't wait to visit everybody in Mississippi for our next trip!! :)

 Road Trip!

 Sweet morning cuddles.  Thank you Maggie for sharing your room with us!

Breakfast time with Laura and Maggie

 Cousin Jena - AKA the baby whisper.  She put Eli right to sleep after a restless night and morning.  Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!

 Joyce, Kaylee, and Ann Cherie

I wish the flash was working :( ... Oh well, still a cute picture.  Laura and Franky are the same age and full of energy -- Love them ... oh yeah, and of course pictured with Honey and Uncle Mark :)

Joy!!!!!!  A Million Thank yous isn't enough.  Not only did she host us, but the entire Christmas dinner was at her house, AND it was her birthday!!  I was bummed to miss the birthday celebrations after everything.  Maybe Ann Cherie can babysit next year :)

 Doug - Jena's husband.  He brought "Rein-BEER".  So cute and creative.  I love it!

 Cornbread

The Davis Clan - minus Joy and Jena ... how did yall get out of the picture??

 The Davis boys

Joyce and her lovely makeover from Maggie :)

 

Frank and Cherie are the lovely parents to the beautiful Kilgo sisters - Joy, Jena, and Kaylee.  Cherie is also Mike's cousin.  The first time I met them was at our wedding, and we were so blessed that they drove all the way from Mississippi.  This family is one of the most genuine and kind hearted families, and I am so glad they are in our lives.  They are always thinking of Eli and we are so thankful for all of their generosity -- (now I know where your daughters get it :)   Thank you so much for a great Christmas gathering and we can't wait to see yall again!