A Wonderful Christmas 2013

Well, Christmas has officially come and gone. It's soon time to get mentally prepared for 2014! Before I get ahead of myself, I of course have to document all the fun we had during Christmas 2013.

Oh, and a fair warning: there are TONS, I repeat-TONS of pictures on this post! I just wanted to knock it all out at once instead of split it into two posts. :) Moving on! 

 Monday afternoon, we left NWA. It started snowing right before we left, which made us even more excited for Christmas. Snow is so magical, but not so much when there are 8 inches of it at a time, like a few weeks ago. Thank goodness that didn't happen. HA!

 We stopped at Sonic while on the road. Belle was ready to order a corn dog. :) So cute. We love our sweet girl!

We were glad to spend a few days at Russell's parent's house this year for Christmas.

 We decorated a few pans of homemade cinnamon rolls and had so much fun doing it.

 Russell and I enjoyed delivering these to family on Tuesday, which was Christmas Eve.

 Jackie and Ricky met us at FBC Camden, along with Mama and B.A. for a wonderful Christmas Eve candlelight service. We sang wonderful carols and read Bible verses about Jesus' birth and simply worshipped Emmanuel-God with us!

 I was so excited to see my cousin, Ryan, his wife, Heather, and their newborn baby, Zachary at the service! I am so happy for their sweet family! We were so glad to meet the new addition.

 After the service, Jackie and Ricky hosted a yummy dinner and exchanged gifts with Mama and B.A. We had a fun time together.

 Mama and B.A.

 Christmas morning was fun as well. Belle especially enjoyed her gingerbread girl dog toy.

 Our traditional Christmas morning breakfast:

Paula Deen's breakfast casserole and Pioneer Woman's cinnamon rolls! YUMMY!

 Later Christmas morning, we went to my sister's house to celebrate the holiday. Isn't her mantle so pretty?

 Lauren made this pretty sign. Too cute!

 We enjoyed giving and receiving gifts. Look at this adorable ornament for Jackson! Thank you, KK!

 We had a fabulous dinner. So so good!

 And dessert was scrumptious, too. Yum!

 I just wanted to get a picture of my sweet nephew, Logan. Just because.

 And Lauren, too! Just because I love them TONS! :) She enjoyed making bracelets with her "cra-z-loom." She made me a white and blue one. Blue for our baby boy!

 Picture time! Eric, Logan, Kelly, and Lauren

 The girls by the tree.

 Russell and me! Next Christmas, Jackson will be in our picture. :) Russell and I have had NINE Christmases together. Wonderful.

 The guys.

 We enjoyed looking at the pretty lights on the bridge. So cool!

 We also saw some interesting lights and decorations. So funny!

 We also went to the Capital Hotel for a bit. The tree was absolutely incredible. One of the best in the country, actually. Just great. 

 Photo op!

 So blessed!

 Love this one of Lauren outside.

 Classic elegance.

Thursday, we had another celebration! We went to Mamaw and Papaw's to spend time with family.

 Leighann in her pretty Christmas dress.

 Jackie got a cute tea towel. "Cookies are better with grandma." She and Ricky can't wait til May!

 Friday, I had lunch with a sweet friend, Brittany and had the best visit. 

We also spent time with the Lawson side that night.

Such sweet kiddos!

 Todd and Dana enjoying opening gifts.

 Phyllis and Jackie...and RJ, of course. :)

 BJ, Katie, and Eve!

 BJ and Katie gave us such a sweet gift for Jackson. His first pair of shoes and a soft car rattle. I am very partial to toy cars or baby boy clothes with cars on them because of Daddy. He sold cars for years. Best car salesman I knew! :)

 Russell shot down mistletoe for me and also picked a little holly. Just so festive and sweet. :)

 Nativity at Camden courthouse. We took this earlier this week. Pretty.

KK (my mom), got Jackson such cute things for next Christmas. A sweet lil hat, bib, and a "magic pillowcase" for when he is a little older. Hey, there was a great sale on Christmas goodies, so she couldn't resist. :)

We had such a special time with family and it was great seeing a few people from my hometown I just adore so much. It was such a wonderful Christmas, and it is such a wonderful life.

I hope y'all have had a wonderful Christmas season!

 

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Romans 8:31