A Week of Christmas Celebrations

On Saturday December 19th, we headed up to Northwest Indiana to celebrate Christmas with the Hillans/Hansens. There was a slight snow in the morning, but it really did not delay us much in our travels. Camden enjoyed spending time with his Aunts, Uncles, & Cousins - and was particularly found of his cousin, Drew. We all had a very nice time and then drove back home that evening.

With Grandma Hillian

We continued the tradition on Christmas Eve morning to have the Bailey, Baker, Brass, & McDaniels families over for Breakfast. The kids had a gift exchange among them and the adults participated in a heated white elephant gift exchange. There were some pretty popular gifts that kept getting stolen from one another. This is a great way to mix up the fun celebrating Christmas.

The Bailey kids, Baker kids, & Brass kids

Terry & Paw

Aunt Janice & Uncle Richard

Uncle Bryan, Aunt Christy, & the Bailey cousins

The Baker Family

After Camden's afternoon nap on Christmas Eve, we went to Baa Baa & Papa Locke's for the annual Swedish Meatballs, among many other things to eat. Just before we left for Church, Papa kept his tradition of reading 'Twas the Night Before Christmas' to all of the grandkids. Since Camden is so into books, he really enjoyed the experience this year. After Church we came home and Camden went to bed so the Big Guy could swing by and leave some presents.

With Grandma Johnson

'Twas the Night Before Christmas' with Papa

Camden awoke on Christmas Morning to find lots of gifts from Santa and from Mommy & Daddy. Camden got some new books, a football, megablocks, a play kitchen with a grill, and a Cozy Coupe car. He enjoyed getting in/out of the car.....reading his new books .... and grilling up some burgers and hotdogs on his grill. Santa also left a new bed for Rylee with some treats and a new toy. He brought Tug some new treats and special soft food that Tug really enjoyed.

Afterward, we went to Baa Baa & Papa Locke's to celebrate with Baa Baa, Papa, Grandma Johnson, Uncle Chad, Aunt Fer Fer, the Mitchell cousins, & Uncle Nun Nun. Camden loved his new bike, Peyton Manning jersey, golf clubs, play airport, See-n-say, grocery cart, & vacuum that he received. He was pretty tired afterward, and went home to take a nap before eating later that afternoon.


After playing with all of his new toys once we got home for the evening, Camden knew he had to go to bed because he was continuing the Christmas celebration the following day. We spent the day after Christmas at Nana's house with Nana, Rick, Granny, Grandma Ratts, Uncle Bryan, Aunt Christy, & the Bailey cousins. Camden was a busy boy playing with the Bailey cousins and really liked the Karaoke machine they received. Camden loved his new toys and jammies, too. Camden got a new Mickey rocker (still waiting to play on this however, as we need to exchange it), a Brobee tent, and a leather jacket. Nana also got Camden plenty of new snacks in his stocking.

Nana with all of the Grandkids

Grandma Ratts with the Great-Grandkids

It was a busy, but very fun and enjoyable week. Camden enjoyed visiting with all of the family, and is sure glad that all of his family is close. Thank you to everyone for all of the wonderful Christmas presents -- they are much appreciated!!!