Christmas @ SML

So, we packed the kids up and headed for Smith Mountain Lake, VA for Christmas this year. It was, by far, one of the very best Christmases that I have had in a very long time. It was SO nice to be able to spend Christmas with Uncle Sam and Aunt Corny and other family that we don't get to see very often. They are so special to me. I am so grateful to have been born into the Shackleford family. What a blessing they are.

Everyone was VERY tired. We left at 3:15am on Christmas Eve and FINALLY arrived at SML at around 6:30pm. Let's just say that it was an extremely long day!

Sam brought his "Big Pooh" along with him. He sleeps with Big Pooh every night.

Rachel finally conked out around 10:30. She decided to wear her new High School Musical scarf as somewhat of a hat.
Emmy did very well considering that she is only 3 weeks old!
Cody is 15 and can still sleep anywhere you drop him!
Nonee has the magic touch. Every time Emmy was with Nonee, she was at peace. It was SO nice to see Nonee again so soon. We were just there in July, so seeing Nonee twice in one year is special! I've always said that I wanted to be like Nonee when I grow up.
If you look closely, it looks like Rachel is talking Aunt Corny's ears off (which is quite possible).

Every present that Sammy opened, Uncle Sam got to see it.

The tornado that is called Christmas Morning after the presents!

Sam's new Spider Man skates

Cody is such an awesome big brother.

Smith Mountain Lake - Christmas 2008

Miss Emmy

Rusty took the kids to hike the mountains, but it rained really bad. They didn't get much exploration time, but they sure did get a good picture!

Aunt Corny is teaching Rachel how to paint. Uh oh!

Cheese!

Can I go outside?

Clicking my heels together

*I wish I had a yard*

*I wish I had a yard*

*I wish I had a yard*

I have NO idea with this one...

No really. Smile.

Amazing food. Amazing fellowship. Uncle Winbon and Aunt Connie stopped by for a quick visit. It was so nice to see them after so long. Patti & Joey made the trek from Tennessee to join us for dinner as well as Alli, Brian, and Abigail (Sammy's most favorite cousin...ever). I cannot believe it, but in my laziness, I didn't get a single picture of Winbon & Connie, Alli and her family, and I hardly got any pictures of Patti & Joey. One way or the other, this visit topped off my Christmas like no other. I wish we could do it every weekend, but I'd imagine Aunt Corny and Uncle Sam would get tired.

Waiting for everyone to arrive. We took a walk to get some of the sugar, I mean energy, out of the kids. Elli came along for the walk.

Patti and Emmy

Uncle Sam got some newbies completely addicted to Rummikub!

Not only was this an amazing trip, but I learned so much about my family and about myself. The most dearest sides of my families met and had an absolute blast, and I became even more thankful for what I have rather than wishing for things that I want. My friendships have grown in ways I could have never imagined, and my family has grown so much that we may need a passenger van before it's all said and done! Most of all, my walk and trust in Christ has taken a new form, and I am excited to see where The Corley Clan is heading.

I can only imagine where God will be taking us in the coming year.