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!

Jailhouse Rocks

The warden threw a party in the county jail

The prison band was there and they began to wail
The band was jumpin' and the joint began to swing
You should've heard them knocked-out jailbirds sing

Let's rock; everybody, let's rock
Everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock

Ok, so this is probably something that only the parents and grandparents will like.  However, its too cute for me not to post :).  Eli loves standing, but obviously he is a little wobbly - so we call it this hie "Elvis leg".  One night, he had on his "jail outfit" (as my mom says) and Derek busted out with Jailhouse Rocks, and yes we HAD to get this on video!!!

First Santa Pictures

As a new mom, I went to the Santa that was the most known and easiest.  I did not do the research to find out which one was FREE.  I thought they all were - oh well.  And, did you know that you can make appointments?!?!  All new info to me - ha! Anyways, we went to the Domain Santa, took naps while waiting in line, and then hung out in the field for lunch and music afterwards.  It turned out to be a great day!

 Our attempt at the FREE Santa picture :)

 Waiting ....

Christmas Cousins

We went up to my mom's house the week of Christmas so I could have a little help with Eli while I was working remotely.  I Loved that Eli was able to get a few extra days with his cousins.  He loves them and is mesmerized by their every move.  However, I think Ryder still takes the cake as his bestie.  He loves her, and she loves him - probably because she is not the smallest anymore :)

 Besties!

 I swear - these two are inseparable.  I was nursing Eli and Ryder wanted up to hang out with us and read books while Eli was nursing.  I told Derek this was great practice for 2 :)

 

Aslynn Selfies on Aunt Kelsey's Phone ...

once again - Ryder wanting to be a part of the action, so she crawled in my lap while I fed Eli.  So funny and cute!

First Family Christmas Photos!

Thank you Sincerely Sarah Photography for a great mini session and our first family photos.  Love all of them!!

Bass Pro Shop Santa

Ali had the bright idea of getting the Giblings and spounses together for an awkward Santa photo.  BEST IDEA EVER, and now this will be a tradition every Christmas.  This was hilarious, and so many inside jokes that I'm not going to get into.  Love going shopping in mom's closet for all of our Christmas gear - thanks mom!!