Crazy Holiday Season...Part Two

Sooo... I meant to continue the last post a little earlier than this. You know, like right after the first one. But it's cool, that's pretty much how I roll. :-)

Christmas was awesome! This year the whole Caldwell family spent Christmas Eve at Buddy and Judy's with  the Kellys. Judy made some awesome chili and the ladies played cards after dinner. Ken, Hope, Kevin and I spent the night in Judy's basement with all the dogs, as is tradition! It's one of my favorite traditions to have so many people in the house at the same time and to be woken up on Christmas morning by Will, Lucas and Caroline. After opening gifts we headed to breakfast with the McArns. There was food, gifts and what has also become a bit of a tradition... Mark and Thomas blowing things up.  We headed to Columbia after breakfast and got to spend some time with my Mom, Max and Jeff.  There aren't as many people at my Mom's but I love the QT we get to spend together. It just feels like home.

Judy's big beautiful tree!

Caroline and Sparkles...with a photo bomb by Judy

Crazy hats at Aunt Lanie's

Brandon Edge drove down on Saturday after Christmas so we used our new turkey fryer (Christmas gift) to cook up a Low Country Boil. Kelly Hoce, Mike Caudle and Taylor and his girlfriend, Sarah, stopped by too! Brandon made us order the UFC 168 fight Saturday night. Turns out, I'm a bigger fan than I thought! The women's fight was actually really awesome. Kevin, however, is not much of a fan after watching Anderson Silva's shin snap in half. It was pretty gruesome.  The next day we headed to Charlotte to watch the Panthers with the Beards, Hoces and Brandon. It's amazing how much the Beard and Hoce kids have grown up! Jack and Drew got a trampoline for Christmas that provided hours of entertainment! It was lots of fun to see both families. We don't get to see them very often but it's always a good time when we do!

Taylor and Mike threw a New Year's Eve bash and Jennifer, Jason and Ashley met us there. There were a lot of Kevin's friends from high school there and that's really a crew that we don't get together with often. There was a huge bonfire and fireworks and more Low Country Boil. Jennifer had some fun with one of the other party-goers wigs.

Jen and the crazy red wig

Happy New Year!

Last but not least, please keep Jim Cleckler in your prayers. He has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and will be starting chemo on Monday. The Clecklers have been a part of the family since forever. Jim and Kevin's dad, Buddy, met while playing  football at USC in the late 60s.  Lynn and Jim are Godparents to all of the Caldwell children. Keep up with Jim's progress on CaringBridge.org (click here.)

With Love,
Lynn and Kevin

PS - If you haven't checked out Hope's blog lately, click here!  She and Ken have had some really amazing things going on!