Christmas

Christmas is always a fun time of year, especially with kids. It was a Barber year, so we all gathered at my parents house, which was a short drive for me. My brothers flew all the way from Utah and my sister came from Tampa. More and more effort is required every passing year as our families continue to grow. It is wonderful all being together and letting the cousins play. We are so very blessed to have a close family that all continue to enjoy the holiday together.

 The past few years, I've taken the kids to Tallahassee to see Santa because they let me take my own video and pictures and the Santa was good with kids. However, this year the mall went with a new company and no pictures were allowed "within the Santa confines." This irritated me beyond belief as I had to stand half way across the mall to get these pics or pay an absurd amount of money for one crappy pic. Plus, the Santa was terrible. Gavin was a bit nervous and as soon as he started to cry he told Patrick: "Well, it looks like he's not interested so you can take him away." And then turned to Ayden and said; "So, what do ya want?" Terrible. In fact, after the evil Santa saw me taking pics (which was technically allowed from where I was standing), he refused to let Avery sit on his lap next. Now that's the Christmas spirit!

 Need-less-to-say, no good Santa pics this year.

Boo Santa!

 The kids acted out the nativity story this year. Here is Mary and Joseph in the stable, with Joseph trying to escape.

 Anistyn the angel.

 Avery a shepherd.

 Jack a shepherd.

 The pajama elf came to visit the kids on Christmas Eve and delivered matching pj's to all of them. They had a blast with the story.

 Then Christmas morning, following Barber tradition, the kids lined up in birth order on the steps.

 Then the craziness began! It was a day filled with excitement and so much fun.

 Santa brought Ayden the Ariel doll she wanted that can be both mermaid and human.

 Jace

 Jack

 Avery got a tricycle for Christmas.

 Then, as usual, Gavin stole it.

 Patrick got me a soft box light for Christmas, which is awesome. I've taken a few pics with it but need to learn a bit more. I am super happy with the lighting and am excited to be able to take pics any time of day.

Dad got a smoker for Christmas and didn't waste any time. The smoked turkey was absolutely delicious.

 It's not Christmas with out a family picture!

 After Christmas, we all headed down to Orlando. We spent the week playing tennis, swimming, watching football, playing games, and going to Busch Gardens. We also had a surprise birthday party for Mom. 

 The week wrapped up with FSU winning the BCS Championship, which is what everyone wished for Christmas!

The Noles are still Unconqeured!