A Very Wondeful Christmas with Family

I’ll try to cover the last ten days or so the best that I can considering it seems like just yesterday that Gina and I arrived back here in Louisiana.

First thing Saturday morning we said our “see you later” to John and Brenda, our friends from Canada. We’ll see them again real soon in the desert. We had a great time with them and are so glad they took the time to come see us.

Me, my dad, Brenda, and John all saying "see you later"

John & Brenda heading down the road

Saturday and Sunday found Gina spending time with Nicole and Ashley. They spent their time together Christmas shopping before they go back to work on Monday.

Monday we went shopping to try and finish up our Christmas shopping. Tuesday we were up early again to get massages that our children gave us last Christmas. They were fantastic!! Afterwards I called all our children to thank them and to let them know they could give that every year. I do not believe I have ever been that relaxed.

Tuesday evening Thomas and Ashley, his wife arrived from California. We invited her parents over for dinner. Thomas enjoyed one of his favorite meals, which is fried pork and homemade mashed potatoes.

Thursday night was our family Christmas party at my sister’s house. It’s one of the only times that all of us Thurston’s kids and our children get together since we all live all over the place. Gina and I got the best Christmas present as parents Thursday. We found out that we will be grandparents (GiGi & Pop's). Thomas and Ashley announced that they are expecting their first child in July next year. We are so excited for them.

Gina and Rickey

Debbie and Ainsley, our SIL and niece

Holly & Ben, our niece and her fiance

Dana, my sister handing out presents to all of our nieces and nephews

Gina and Dana holding Gina's present

Christmas morning found all of our children at our house at eight o’clock in the morning ready to open their presents. However, they pleaded with their mom to make homemade biscuits for breakfast. While they were baking they all opened their presents and afterwards they enjoyed hot homemade biscuits.

Gina making biscuits

Nicole & Shane with our two grand dogs

Nicole & Shane opening their presents

Thomas & Ashley with their new camera and nook

Parker & Ashley opening their presents

Gina with her new Bose stereo

Me with my new Milwaukee cordless drill and driver

Thomas & Ashley

Ashley & Parker

Shane & Nicole

Later Christmas Day, my sister and her family came over and we all celebrated Christmas dinner together.

Enjoying a wonderful Christmas meal

Parker & Ashley, Shane & Nicole, Ashley & Thomas, Ryan, Stephen, and Lacey & Rickey

(our children with their cousins)

Sunday we spoke to Mike & Janna before they left Arkansas. Gina convinced them to come a little further south and see us. We didn’t know for sure if they were coming until yesterday. We are so excited that they are coming to see us. They should be here sometime Tuesday morning.

Well, that is a very brief overview of our happenings the past ten days. It may not seem like much but it sure feels like we have not slowed down any. Our focus now is spending time with our children and friends before we get back on the road toward the desert in Arizona.

We hope your Christmas was filled with joy and here's wishing all of our followers A Very Happy New Year!!!

Gina & I hope everyone has a pleasant and wonderful day, enjoying what our Father has so graciously blessed us with.