Christmas at Pop & Gaga's (the McKinney's)

Christmas Eve at Mom & Dad's is one of the highlights of my entire year. I look forward to it so much. We are so blessed to have my precious parents (and Daddy's) so close so that we can see them so often. I pray you guys, my children, will always cherish your grandparents. They are full of love and so much wisdom they want to pass on to you!!

One of the reasons I love Christmastime is for the precious looks on children's faces. This one is priceless of sweet Koltyn. Have I mentioned I am a bit jealous of his curls???

My precious grandmother, Mema! So thankful she is still able to come down and be with us for ham and pinto beans on Christmas Eve!!

Sisters! Love my Aunt Connie!!

Christmas Eve menu: Turkey (for some reason this year - instead of ham), green beans, fruit salad, sweet potato souffle, and of course PINTO BEANS!!

Nini's first Christmas in the USA and with our family. We are so blessed to have her with us!

Each year Gaga puts you guys into costumes and has you act out the Christmas Story. This year Micah - you are Joseph, Rebekah - you are Mary, McKinney - you are a donkey, Amberleigh is an angel, Braxton and Amelia - shepherds, and Nini - Baby Jesus. Unfortunately, Koltyn missed all the fun since he was napping.

After focusing on the real meaning of Christmas, we celebrated each other by giving gifts. Such fun for you kids and Mommy too!!

Nini was helping Mema "read" the recordable storybook you guys recorded for her for Christmas.

After the excitement of opening gifts there was a knock at the door and a very special visitor arrived. Can you believe it???

Wait - is that Santa??? Seems he is prepared for high waters in those pants, or maybe he is too tall for the costume. Love Santa Frank!!

All kids were mesmerized by Santa. They found Pop to be pretty funny, although Micah - you still think it was the real Santa!! Oh to be three again!

Santa forced himself on Brett.

And Mema.

I love this picture. I will always treasure this memory. My sweet Daddy, aka Santa, with his ten of his eleven grandchildren (only one missing is baby McKinney that will born in June)!!