The Christmas season began about a week before Christmas. The Merwin side of the family all came to Paris for the celebration the weekend before Christmas. We opened presents at the gym at church. With four (Andrew doesn't count this year.) rowdy boys what could be better?!? As you can see from the above picture Andrew was exhausted before he even opened a single present!!
The Sunday before Christmas Clayton and Jack had their programs that morning and the adult choir had their program that evening. Clayton had a solo (with Shannon) in the cantata. Because we listened to the cantata in the car, Jack knew all the words to every song. I could hear him singing from the choir loft. He didn't make it through the entire program though. He was exhausted from all the singing.
Since Fred and I were dating we have gone to Cracker Barrel on Christmas Eve. We missed a couple of years in there, but not too many. We decided to head to Murray that morning and enjoy our tradition. As you can see Andrew was thrilled. I decided this year that I am going to start keeping the receipts from each year and see how they grow as these boys grow. We spent around $16 this year. Fred and I split the holiday sampler and Clayton and Jack split pancakes and sausage. As those precious boys were sitting beside me and eating I wondered how much longer they were going to share a plate!?!
Christmas morning we were up early. My parents joined us for the celebration. The boys both got scooters. Even though it was freezing out they still wanted to ride them outside. They were too precious. After a yummy breakfast we loaded up the front wheel drive sleigh and headed to Memphis to celebrate with the Shackelfords. Mr. Fred cooked a great steak dinner and we all had a wonderful time. Fred headed home and the boys and I went to Jackson to visit with the Thomason side of the family. We opened presents with them on Sunday.
The Shackelford Family 2009
After a wonderful breakfast (Fred cooked homemade biscuits, scrambled eggs, sausage and chocolate gravy--yummie!!) the big boys wanted to head outside. We bundled them up and sent them out. 
You can't see very well, but this is a picture of the big boys playing on the swing set. I snapped this picture and just stood at the door watching them play. While I was watching them I noticed Jack was struggling with his snow boot. As I looked closer I observed that his BARE foot was planted in the snow. Apparently in his haste to get outside he did not put his socks on!! Once I noticed what was going on I told him to come inside to which he replied, "I not ready!!" Can you believe that?? The kid has his bare foot planted in the snow and he's still not ready to come in. Of course I insisted that he come inside. We quickly warmed his foot up and now both boys are resting on the couch--snuggled up together.
