Christmas in Alabama 2011

This year I got to take my mom out for her birthday, on her birthday so that was really nice. We spent Christmas Eve over at the Owen's and we always have such a great time with everyone....

Look how Brayden has grown! He had a big boo-boo on his nose from falling that day

Here's all the grandchildren on the Owen side...can you imagine the chaos when it's time to open presents? LOL!

Christmas Day was spent over at my aunt's house for my mother's side of the family. I had not been in 4 years so it was great to be together with everyone and see cousins that I haven't see in a while. I sure missed seeing my Aunt Gail there...it's been 2 years since she left us.
We also went over to my dad's for a little while as well.

The day after Christmas was spent with my brothers and their families. Speaking of CHAOS...

Lots of presents + Lots of people + very small living room = a huge mess!
Here are the grandkids on my side of the family.....

Face shot of me with my brothers and mom...

The older girls here with my cousin Joey's daughter Jessica who was visiting here from California

And the men with our special guests for the day......Terry Rob and Joey!

It was so good to see Joey as it had been, I don't know, maybe 10 years since I had seen he and Jessica. I call him my Western Cousin because he is the only other family member who is on my side of the US. Terry Rob (on the bottom with glasses) lives in Gordo and went to school with my brother Kerry. He doesn't have much family or money so every year, he joins us for a little while on Christmas. My brothers are good to pick him up and take him places or let him visit them in their hometown. Terry has definitely become a tradition around the Richardson home at Christmas (I think it's sweet that they want to spend time with him).

I did not get to any of my friends while home and that made me sad. But we will make special efforts the next time we are in Alabama to see all our friends. Mike took the kids along with his brothers and their kids and his nephew Brent to see Alabama play basketball.

This year we played a lot of Bunco and Mexican Train. We are so blessed with families on both sides that have fun together and enjoy each other. Thank you to the Owen's and Richardson's for making Christmas 2012 so special to us!