The Bragg Family Blog

The Bragg Family Blog

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Our Christmas Memories {2012}

Over the years, I've often heard people say, "this was the best Christmas ever!", and I would often wonder what would make it so much better than "ever"... Well, this year's was pretty awesome.  I believe there are many factors that play into this thought in my mind, and I haven't even talked with Russ about these so he may not agree with each of them, although we did both agree that it was a wonderful Christmas.  

Here's what made it so great...

1. For the first time in 10 years, we didn't have to travel.

2. Our boys are at such an enjoyable age, and seemed to truly enjoy the holiday season with much excitement!

3. Each family celebration was relaxed and because of the scheduling, it didn't feel like a marathon.

4. Christmas morning was so much fun!

Here are a few specifics from this "best-Christmas-ever!"...

Our Christmas Card...



Emmitt sporting the Rudolph nose...


The beautiful snow that came the day after Christmas...


Our Christmas Tree... Didn't Santa appear at just the right time?  No, I didn't plan that! ;)


Our Elf returned, and threw a few parties while he was visiting... Poor guy, I'm sure he is very confused as his name changed once again this year.  So far, he has answered to "Free", "Freeze", and this year he was renamed "Yadi"... Oh, well, he brings great joy to our two little boys even if he is confused each year by his new name!



Santa made a stop by our house, and left the boys some gifts...


=Lawson's gifts=


=Emmitt's gifts=


=A few games and movies to share=



Santa didn't expect the boys to enjoy this game so much; it has been fun!


You might remember in his letter to Santa, that he asked for a Westview Charger Basketball jersey #1... Santa had no idea how hard it would be to find/make a WHS Charger jersey.  Like a needle in a hay stack, but he eventually found one for our boy.


Both boys received new basketballs... Lawson is a mighty fine dribbler, if I must say so myself.


Emmitt got his camper!!  His letter to Santa requested a camper and horse trailer and Santa brought both... he was so excited!


Stockings are always fun, too...



Lawson also received a new pair of Nike's from Santa...




And not just any Nike's, but Westview Charger Nike's!!!
He was glowing with excitement!!


Russ picked out a beautiful picture from one of our downtown shops for me, and I absolutely love it!

Check out this Westview Charger... 


He was so proud of his new "uniform"... I know he was pleased and thankful with all Santa brought, but he has gotten a lot of wear and time out of his uniform and new basketball.  


They also got a set of golf clubs.  They are perfect in size, and I would highly recommend them if you're in need of a set for a toddler.  Santa found them at Toys "R" Us. ;)


Emmitt asked for a big boy potty and underwear.  We were very hopeful for potty training, but so far, no luck.  He says he will go potty when he's "six". "Six" is when L goes to Kindergarten so he thinks that's a magic number.  I'm tempted to tell him he's "six" next month when he turns three!! :)  Just kidding.  It will surely happen in due time.


Our parents came to spend some time with us after we had had time to open gifts, and that was exciting for everyone...

=Sweet Baby Weston=


Family...


=Cousins=


Lawson and Daddy playing with his new Bey Blades and Bey Wheels... it's a boy thing, in case you're not in the know on boy toys. ;)




Aren't his eyes beautiful?!



And that's that... another Christmas in the books. {Even if it is March 7!}

Thanks for reading.  I have so much to update.  Maybe sometime soon, we'll see!

Enjoy your weekend... it's almost here!! :)


Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Christmas with my Mom

I know we're quickly approaching Valentine's Day, and to say I'm behind with just now posting Christmas memories would be an understatement... but today I'm at home with a sick family, and there's  something about going back over memories of your family that lifts the spirit... so here we go!  

We began Christmas Eve morning celebrating Christmas with my mom, and then later that day we were with her family.  We enjoyed breakfast at her house, and then opened gifts!






Our boys are crazy about their Uncle Luke...


Sweet Maggie... isn't she pretty?!



Loaded with nice gifts!


Ella had fun, too!


Spiderman!





We finished up at Mom's around noon and then came back home to unload the car before round 2 later that night... we went to my Aunt Shelia and Uncle Billy's house to celebrate Christmas with my mom's side of the family.  We've celebrated with her family on Christmas Eve for as long as I can remember.  We always got together at my Aunt Bertice's house, and although she is no longer with us, my mom's sister, my Aunt Shelia, and her husband, Uncle Billy, bought her house, and it was so nice to be able to continue this tradition.  We missed her so much, yet we know she would be so pleased that we continued this tradition.  

"Cool phone, mom!"







Emmitt was kind of a photo bomb here, but they so kindly smiled. :)


All of us!


My mom with her three sisters and parents.  They can be so funny together!


Some of the kids are waiting... if only those adults would eat faster!!


I love this!


My sweet Grandmother and Granddaddy... love them!


And that's that!  Two more Christmas celebrations to document... maybe I will get them done tonight!
And maybe tonight, my hubby and 4-year-old will begin to feel better!

Thanks for reading!

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Christmas with the Bell Family

We've had a wonderful Christmas!  Our family began celebrating on December 22nd at my Mama B and Daddy Dentons's house.  There were 36 of us in attendance, only missing cousin Lindsey who now resides in Australia.  Thanks to technology, we "skyped" her, and were all able to wish her a Merry Christmas, which was really neat!

Here are a few memories from the day...



Last year, we were awaiting the arrival of these sweet boys, Baby Cole and Baby Rowan.  They are absolutely precious!  And so is their big sister, Jordyn. 


Luke, Julie Anne, Dad, and Russ


Cousins!
Emmitt and Jenna Kate


=Pretty Sally Ann=


Waiting patiently for gifts!


Still waiting for gifts... If only the adults would stop eating!! :)


Emmitt got a new hat...


Check out Maddie's new costume! 


Isn't she pretty?!



=Family picture with Dad and Anita=


=Pretty Jordyn=
{Big sister to the twin boys}


Nolan fit perfectly in the gift bag... it was so funny!

 

Talking to Lindsey in Australia... it was 3:00 PM on 12/22 here in Tennessee, and 8:00 AM on 12/23 in Australia.  Crazy.



All 14 children with the proud Mama B and Daddy Denton!!


We left Mama B and Daddy Denton's and went to my Dad and Anita's house to celebrate Christmas with them.  We received many nice things, and are thankful for all they did for us.

Lawson and Emmitt each received a microphone and speaker... singing on the fire place is FUN when you have a real microphone!!  :)  I'm sure our neighbors are even enjoying the concerts!



They both received a basketball jersey and matching shorts.  By all means, L stripped down and put his on immediately.




=Pretty Abby and Lawson=


And that's one family celebration in the books... three more to come! :)  Happy New Year!