The Cousin Gift Exchange

(Sorry, this is the last of the Christmas pictures.  I just had to post them to document the event.)

A few days after Christmas (after Rees and Becca got back from Utah), we had the cousin gift exchange.  The kids love to be able to give a gift to one of their cousins.  It's a tradition that goes back to when we were kids.  

I love how much these cousins love each other and love being with one another.  It makes me wish we lived closer so they could see them more often.  I'm so happy they are still able to remain close despite the distance.

 

The 3 "little" girls waiting together.  Savannah, Cambry and Sarah

THE GIVING:

Savannah giving books and a ball to baby Rees.  

(Although, it looks as though Christopher might be more excited than Reese).

Emerson giving Jackson a new book

Callie giving Cambry some new paint pens and latch hook kit.

THE RECIEVING: 

Savannah received a latch hook kit from Knox

Emerson received a stomp rocket from Smith

Callie received a travel aqua doodle from Patrick

Tender Tennessee Christmas

We were able to spend a little over 2 weeks in Tennessee this holiday season.  It was wonderful to be able to spend time with Gramee and Grandad, aunts and uncles, and  all our cousins - all 38 of us plus a new little one born while we were there. We've haven't been back to Tennessee for the last 3 Christmas' so it was great to be able to recreate a lot of the wonderful traditions I had growing up.  Christmas Day turned out to be a fun and magical day.  

CHRISTMAS MORNING

The kids were happy that Santa was still able to find us, even in Tennessee.

Emerson and Savannah waiting for everyone to get up and meet in Gramee and Grandad's bedroom Christmas morning.

The Line Up

From the time I was little, we always had to line up youngest to oldest in the hallway before we could run into the living room to see if Santa had come.  This year it was the Pothier's and Deaver's lining up together : Knox, Emerson, Cambry, Callie, Savannah, Jaylee, Smith, Paxton, Brimley and Grandad

Callie and Savannah

I'm still not sure if Callie ever got what was going on that morning.  

She wasn't that interested in opening presents but seemed to be happy with just watching everyone else's excitement.

   

One of two gifts that Savannah asked Santa Claus to bring her.  

All she wanted was this book and a Chinese jumprope.  Santa had it pretty easy with her this year.

Santa also had it easy with Emerson as well.  He loves everything right now and was thrilled with anything he opened.

  

Brian and Aimee opening some fun Santa gifts.

     

And apparently, one of the best gifts of all was new toothbrushes found in their stockings. 

CHRISTMAS EVENING:

Christmas night the family got together for dinner and presents and stocking bags from Gramee and Grandad.  

Here is a picture of the 25 Smith grandchildren (minus the youngest 4). 

It's wild when we're all together but still so much fun.

My favorite part of the day was when Callie opened up her dollie from Gramee.  It was the only present of the entire day I knew she just loved.  Here's a few of the pictures that only captures a small part of what a sweet moment this was.   I can already tell she going to be a caring and nurturing mother one day.  She is such a sweetheart.

Deaver Christmas 2008

We celebrated Christmas early with the Deaver's because we were headed off to celebrate Christmas in Tennessee. Baba, Aunt Debbie and Uncle Mike spoiled the kids as usual and the kids happily accepted their generosity.

    

Savannah starting off the night by reading the Christmas Story.

Happy Miss Callie with Mom and Dad

    

Uncle Mikey

         

Brian and Aimee opening some great gifts.

      

Aunt Debbie, Baba, and Emerson

Callie and Aunt Deb

            

Savannah and Emerson trying out their new gifts

Callie, at the end of the night, having given up hope to ever being put to bed, turns to Aunt Debbie's Pepsi.