'Twas the Cajun Week of Christmas

This year we decided to change things up a bit and headed to Thibodaux for Christmas. We haven't done that in YEARS and had an amazing time.

As I mentioned in my previous post, Jay and I loaded up the kids after our Christmas with the Praytors and started the LONG drive to Thibodaux. We wanted to be in town for the Jones Family Christmas Party on Sunday afternoon, so we decided to start driving on Saturday afternoon, stop and stay the night in Nachitoches and then wake up the next morning to finish the drive. I'm SO glad we did that because it helped break up the drive for the kids, and for Jay and me, too.

While we were there, we drove through the town to see all of the Christmas lights.  We initially thought we'd get out and walk down the levee to see all of the lights, but it was late and there were TONS of people everywhere.  I don't think we could have found a place to park, even if we wanted to.  It was like a carnival was going on...food, music, games, carolers, etc...It was great to see it all and for the kids to see all of the lights along the levee and the streets.

The next morning, we woke up, had breakfast and loaded the car to make our way down to Thibodaux.  Keep in mind that not only did we have a truck full of luggage for 2 adults and 2 kids, but we also had Christmas presents for all of my family and both of our kids. PLUS, since Santa was having to make a special trip to Thibodaux, he also sent a lot of his gifts with us.  Here is how we roll when there is a truck FULL of stuff to load and our hotel room is on the 2nd floor...

We got to Thibodaux just in time to freshen up and head to Aunt Ann's house for the Annual Jones Family Christmas Party.  I was THRILLED that we were actually able to make it to the party because it's one of my favorite and best Christmas memories growing up.  I was so happy for Jay and our kids to experience it with me.

Each year, the kids put on a Christmas play for the rest of the family.  Both the production and the audience are big because our family is HUGE.  It likes having a Christmas-themed family reunion with aunts, uncles, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc... cousins...EVERYONE.  And, of course, it never fails that there is always a new "Baby Jesus" in the family.  And, YES, we're Catholic!  :)

The play includes singing, piano playing, narrating, costumes....the whole shabang!

The Narrators

 Emma was one of MANY Christmas angels :)

Truett was one of MANY shepherds :)

 With a new baby sibling on the way, Truett and Emma couldn't get enough of 'Baby Jesus'

 Emma, Lyla & Maria (aka "The Angels) and Lauren (aka "Mary)

 Hark!  The Herald Angels Sing!!!!

 After the play, the whole family gathered around the piano to sing Christmas carols

Emma and Maria (her 4th cousin and not as in, Emma has 4 cousins and Maria is the 4th one, but as in 4th GENERATION....told you it was like a family reunion!)

 A few nights later, my friends and I got together for dinner.  I love these girls so much and have known many of them since Kindergarten (or before).  Our group is so close and, actually, half of them were missing from the picture.  I have a blast any time I get together with this group...pregnant or not!  :) 

It was SO great to visit with these ladies and to watch our kids play together. 

Of course, the girls were the only ones who stood still long enough for me to get a picture!

 Ella, Anna Belle, Lauren and Emma

CHRISTMAS EVE:  My family has a tradition of attending Mass at the local nursing home.  This tradition started YEARS ago when my great-grandmother was a resident there.  My entire family (immediate and extended) offered to provide the music/singing for the Mass and it has been something we have done every year.  So, in keeping with tradition, we all headed over to the nursing home for Mass, but not before getting together for some pre-Christmas gift opening.

Grace loving her gator from Aunt Mollie

 Emma admiring her present from Paran Ben

 

Truett unwrapping his dinosaur book from Aunt Mollie

 Cousin Camp 2010 - Christmas Edition! 

Kennedy, Grace, Sarah, Truett & Madison

 After Mass, we all went over to Aunt Becky's house for food and holiday beverages.

MawMaw, Aunt Becky & Mom

 Sweet Grace partying her pants off! 

Madison lasted as long as she could, but was ready to go to bed and wait for Santa to pass.

CHRISTMAS DAY:  Jay, the kids and I stayed at Nana Moon's (my dad's sister) house while we were in town.  It was great because she has two grandkids who are Truett and Emma's ages, so her house is VERY kid friendly.  It was the first time that the kids were going to have Christmas morning somewhere else other than our house, but it still felt like our own Christmas.

Truett's stash from Santa

Emma's stash from Santa

Ummm...this is our 'stash' from Santa.  I guess Jay and I weren't as good this year as the kids.  Taboo and Q-tips...THANKS A LOT, SANTA!  :)

The kids started searching through their loot...eyes half-opened! :)

Boots from Papa

Truett went shopping for Emma's Christmas present and chose this shirt for her

After opening gifts in the living room, we headed to the kitchen to see if Santa liked his milk and cookies.  The kids were excited to hear what Santa's letter had to say this year.  I love looking back and reading the Santa letters because it gives me an idea of what concept we were trying to reinforce that year.  This year, our big topic was that God and Santa are friends because they both keep an eye on us and report to each other to make sure we're always making good choices!  hahahah!

Next, we headed outside to give Truett and Emma their big gifts from us

After a full morning of gift opening at Nana Moon's, we all headed over for MORE gift exchanging at MawMaw's house. 

LeeLa', Grace & Nanny

Kennedy & Madison opening their gifts from us

Emma trying to give Grace a kiss

Grace returning the favor to Emma

Random photos from the car ride

Jay & Nannie

Uncle Michael

Nannie & Kennedy

Grace

Uncle Michael & Nem

It makes Grace happy to see her parents play kissy face!

The next morning, we loaded up the truck, gave our good-bye kisses to Nana Moon and headed back to Dallas.

Random moments from the week...

Jay and Truett took a trip to Lowe's and came back with a project to work on together.  Of course, it would have been IMPOSSIBLE to work on the project without the proper tools and safety goggles.

While the boys worked on their project, the girls went for mani/pedi's together.  I don't know if you've ever taken a 2-year-old for a mani/pedi, but BASICALLY, by the time we left, EVERY SINGLE toenail and fingernail was either smudged or have no polish left on it AT ALL!  hahahaha!  It'll probably be NEXT Christmas before we do it again.  :)

We were so happy to get home to our own house, but had so much fun in Thibodaux.  I hope your Christmas was filled as many happy memories as ours was.  MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!