Arrive in Jackson, MS for Christmas vacation

We spent Christmas in Clarksdale this year, but we spent one night at my mom's in Jackson before we drove up there. We arrived there around 10:30pm, and the kids were awake and excited to see Mimi and Pop. So, we decided to go ahead and open some presents, so we'd be able to leave early in the morning to head up to Clarksdale.


Ben is super excited to open his first present


Abby, on the other hand, is not so sure about this.


"What the heck am I supposed to do with this?" (she now loves her doll) :)


She got a lot more excited about this present from my dad.

Furniss Annual Christmas Party

well, we have switched from a real tree to a fake one...much to my dismay. I'm still not thrilled about it, but we needed such a tall skinny tree for the only space we had for the tree. So, we decided just to buy one we knew would fit year after year. I have to say that I LOVED not have to put the lights on or take them off, not watering the tree and NO needles to vacuum off the floor.


Trace took a close up :)


after the party clean up


Shelley, Sydney, Sheri and Meg - friends from MOMs Club


Nicole and Delaney - D. is one week older than Abigail


my kitchen never looks this neat ;)


the all important "bar area"


I love the way the fireplace looked.




Party Food!

Christmas at the Gaylord Texan and Santa pics

The Gaylord Texan is a HUGE hotel and convention center in Grapevine near us, and they go ALL out for Christmas each year.

If only Ben would've smiled!!


She can't believe I just handed her over the the bearded, fat man in the red suit!


Ben's checking out the beard



Abby had fun!


they had lots of model trains, so Ben was fascinated


so, it's the parent's job to just smile constantly and stare at the camera and pray both children will just happen to look in the direction of the camera and smile...



...it's just not meant to be :)


at least my kid is looking and smiling


Abigail, Delaney and Teagan


I love the face she's making


the best picture of the two of them from the day


The BFF's again :)

Thanksgiving in Jackson, MS

Abby and Aunt Gale. There is a similar picture of Aunt Gale holding me at this age :) This was the night that Trace, Ben and I all got horribly sick. We had to stay with my mom one extra day, so she could take care of us :)


Abigail and my Dad


We went with my dad to the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science


Ben loved looking at the fish and the snakes :)


they had a dinosaur exhibit going on. Abigail liked it too.


Ben digging for dinosaur fossils.


Ben loved the dinosaurs!


Abby and cousin Tyler...Trace was a little worn out from eating two Thanksgiving meals that day.




Guitar Hero is serious business! Ben completely thought he was playing too :) Ben on guitar, my brother, John, on guitar, and my sister's boyfriend, Mike, on vocals. They rock!


Abigail and Aunt Kat goofing around


Abigail and Aunt Katherine


I love this picture. It was so awesome having so much of my mom's family together.


Ben trying to buddy up with Nate.


I love this picture too!


Mom's finally in a picture! :)


Me and my cutie pies :)


Abby was showing off her cruising skills


Another awesome picture! How cute is Ben?!