And just when I thought our holiday season couldn’t be any better, we got ourselves a new baby in the family, celebrated Christmas with the Lowes and Kensington was in the Nutcracker.
Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la!
After school, we sprinted over to the hospital to meet our new baby Penley Darlene!!
Sean and I have two cousins…so, it’s always just been the four of us and we are extremely close (two girls and two boys…Shay, Sean, Brandon and Brooke). Brandon and I are the only ones with kids and our kiddos are being raised as cousins (his daughter calls me Aunt Shay and so on). Kensington Smith and Paisley are all just one year a part (6, 5, and 4), so they haven’t really ever appreciated a new baby…until now! Paisley is now a big sister to Penley and the kids were soooooooo excited! I was really surprised just how excited the three of them were to get this new baby girl :).
She couldn’t wait to hold her new cousin…and she asked me twice when she would be old enough to spend the night at our house :).
It’s a joke in our family that I’m the favorite grandchild, Brandon is second and Sean and Brooke are fighting over third place…I personally don’t think it’s a joke but the absolute truth ;). Well, I surprised the family and named Smith William after our grandfather William and on this day, Brandon surprised the family and named Penley Darlene after our grandmother Darlene…so needless to say, I think our 1st and 2nd place standings are solid now. Sweet Smith William was smitten with little Penley Darlene.
These kiddos took in everything about their new cousin. This was Penley getting her first bath and her blood sugar tested. I would also like to point out that we are in the labor and delivery room…all 20 of us…yes, there were 20 people in our family (plus the new baby) in that room. We travel in a herd and don’t you dare try and break us up ;).
The next day was pajama day in Smith’s class followed by his Christmas party. I love this sweet boy!
That face.
Later that night, we made our annual trek to see lights and have dinner with the Slaughters. Five kids, bubbles, a snowman and Bowen squealing for people to stop pushing on him…just another night of Christmas cheer!
Strike a pose!
Erika trying so hard to get them to stand still, look at the camera and smile. She later put this on Instagram…
…not too shabby!
On Friday night, we celebrated Christmas with my mom, dad, brother and sister-in-law. This is our year to spend Christmas with Andrew’s parents, so we celebrated with my parents early.
They’re only posing sweet because I said “if you pose sweet, you can open your presents”. This isn’t my first rodeo.
I didn’t have to bribe C to pose sweet…she does that naturally.
Oh heaven help me. Growing up, my brother terrorized me with his rubber band gun and now, he bought my almost five year old one. I heard him say to Smith “I used to shoot your mommy in the face with mine”. Lovely. I cannot wait until they have kids. I play to win…they’re going down.
There were several of these gifts under the tree from my family too :).
On Saturday and Sunday, Kensington had her Nutcracker performance. Her little ballet class did so good!!! I was so proud of them!
Ebby Lee and Kensington!
Presley and Narci came to watch too! I took two pictures of these girls and neither one was good. We thought it was so sweet of those girls to bring flowers and come watch!!
Kensington and her daddy after the show on Saturday night. And you can see Nixon and Smith being well…Nixon and Smith in the background :).
Papa Jay and Lovie came to watch! We got Starbucks and looked at Christmas lights after the show together.
My greatest joy is being a mama. I love raising these kids (with this man) so very much.
Enjoy your last Monday before Christmas!
On the foodie blog, a review of my Christmas menus for this week!
Merry Monday!
kimm atwood says
What a fun filled couple of days. Congratulations on the newest addition to your family! We celebrated Christmas this weekend also with my family, always fun! And Kensington looked beautiful for her performance
Erika Slaughter says
I have so much to say!! First of all that baby Penley is adorable. Hope Brandon's "Darlene" move doesn't move you to second place. Hahahaha! We had a blast looking at the lights! And I was so proud of our girls!! Love that you captured Smith and Nixon being them!
Tracy says
What a fun weekend! I don't live close to family and seeing all the fun your big family has together makes me miss that! Your kids are darling and that a great pic of you & your sis-in-law.
Anonymous says
Congrats on your niece!!! Your SIL is so gorgeous. 🙂
Rebecca says
Oh yeah, you're in first place I'm sure! : ) Love all the pix and family fun. Precious time and memories for sure. Merry Christmas!
Emily Boak says
Such a fun weekend! I've been thinking so much of your Ashby, can't get her off the brain. All happens for a reason, right? Merry Christmas to your whole family. It most def is the most wonderful time of the year!
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
So much festive goodness in one post! Loved all of it!
Anonymous says
I remember you asking your readers for suggestions on P names a couple months ago!
Doreen
Sarah Kuykendall says
What an exciting weekend! Nothing sweeter than a newborn! And Kensington looked beautiful.
Marshall Madness says
Congratulations on your new cousin! I love that her name is Penley and they have a Paisley. We have a Paisley and a Tenley! So cute! Can't wait til Ashby can join in the fun.
Anonymous says
These pics are terrific. One is better than the next!!! I love keeping up with you and your "herd"! I know you hear it all the time, but your kids are soo beautiful!! You guys should have more babies after Ashby gets settled! (Populate Texas with beautiful, sweet kiddos! Haha) on a side note, papa jay has the best eyes! They always look so cute to me – happy and kind. May the Christ Child bless you and yours this Christmas season!
Janet says
The faces of the children as they are holding Penley are precious.
Anonymous says
Where are your jeans from I love them?
Paula says
Such a sweet post! Lots of holiday fun! Merry Christmas, Shay & family!
Jaren says
Such sweet family pictures and memories! Wishing y'all a most wonderful Merry Christmas and safe travels to see Andrew's family!
Elizabeth says
What a wonderful addition to the family! And soon enough you will have an even more special addition!!
Merry Christmas to your growing family!!
Marty says
Love this post. We travel as a "herd" as well, and I love every minute of it. I hope my kids will always love being close with their siblings…especially after they start having their own families. Thank you for sharing part of your life with the ENTIRE WORLD. You're a blessing to many. Can't wait til Ashby is in all of your pictures. 🙂
Courtney says
Just wondering if Penley's name was suggested by one of your readers, or if not, how did your cuz come up with it.