A great end to 2008!

So it's been a while since I have had any time to post pics, but that just means you will have tons to see with this update. We had so many wonderful Christmas and New Year celebrations...I don't even know where to start. After the first round, we had a Saturday gathering with the Kervin/Higgins crew. There are now 8 great-grandchildren under the age of 7 (plus one on the way for Grace and Auburn) for Grandma and Bompa-so it was quite a party. We celebrated at Aunt Kathy's new house, which was perfect for our growing families. Here is a picture of Caleb sleeping through yet another party-holding a gift from his GJ...

On Monday, Aunt Smelly came into town and spent the whole day just hanging out at the house with us (it was so cold outside, so it was a nice day for lounging). She brought some fun presents and it was so great to catch up with her and for Caleb to finally meet her! Then Tuesday we went to GJ's to see her tree and new carpet, and took some pictures wearing our cute hat and bib from the Frosty's (third set of grandparents). We also got to meet Memaw Martin and Beth and Emily!

Then we went to the annual breakfast at Cracker Barrel Christmas Eve morning with Rocky, Nena, Blake, and Kim. We had more celebrations later that day with all of Nena's extended family-Allens, Garcias, Prothros-where we ate way too much again and had a fun gift exchange! We also received some shadow boxes from Ninnie with fond memories of Doug's Papa and Nana. Afterwards we went to Bo and Shirley's to exchange gifts with the fam. We came home with a carload of stuff for C-man. He is spoiled! (And we are blessed). Here is Caleb with Uncle Blake and Aunt Kim.

On Christmas morning we opened more gifts (Caleb was less than enthused about his-he yawned when we showed him his cool outfits and shoes) and made pigs in a blanket. GJ made breakfast pizza and some yummy bread. GJ, Papa Jim, Uncle Jimmy and Uncle Jason came over and we exchanged more gifts. The tree was full of fun stuff-95% of it was Caleb's of course, although he had no clue! It was all great stuff-his family loves him so! Charlie was very excited about his new toy!

Then it was on to the Cox family Christmas. This year was extra special because there were three-count them-THREE new babies added to the family just in the last few months. So Caleb got to meet cousins Mason and Clara. We ate (AGAIN) and opened more gifts. It was a great day. Here are the families with their new additions!

We met up with some friends in town from Kansas-Kennybo and Susan Lannou-on Friday for some Pappasito's. It was great to catch up with them-we wished they lived closer. Here's C-man with his Elmo pal from them!

Here's another fun gift from Aunt Donna-Doug cannot wait until the C-man can sit and watch college football with him on Saturdays!

Last, but not least, we went to College Station for a basketball game (Caleb stayed at the house with Nena-she insisted!) and then on to the ranch. It was our first trip away from home, Caleb's first trip to God's country (CS) and the ranch, and it went very well.

Doug telling Caleb about the day's hunt...

Three generations-Cox Camo!

After all of the parties, eating, gift opening, eating, traveling, and eating-we were ready to be home and get back to normal. Don't get me wrong-we had a blast! But it was nice to be home and sleep in for a change. Here's the C-man this morning after snuggling with us before Doug left for work.

We had a wonderful 2008. We were blessed with Caleb and we enjoyed our first Christmas with him. God had a plan for us and we couldn't be happier with this outcome. I have to remember to take a moment to count our blessings, one by one, and I encourage you to do the same. We are truly blessed by our family and friends and we want you to know that we thank God for all of you daily. Remember the following for this new year--"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12. If we do so, God will continue to bless us!