a week's worth of christmas.

when your families are spread out across two or three states, christmas doesn't just last a day. more like a week.

austin and i had our christmas gift exchanging early in the week. here's our {arguably} beautiful little pink tree, packed with presents underneath.

austin got new pajama pants, a shovel, a 2012 calendar, a nerf gun, and a new cordless power tool set {and, of course, juliet helped open all our presents}.

and i got a dvd i wanted, a slap chop {because i shouldn't be allowed to use sharp knives}, a gift certificate to a painting class, and a new coat!

and then there were the critters. juliet got treats and a new favorite toy.

it's a blue spotted lizard. or something. she loves it though, whatever it is.

and after the kitties put on their festive outfits, they got a new cat toy!

{my cats aren't very photogenic...}

on thursday, we headed up to austin's parent's house for another early christmas dinner and gift exchange. here's their tree with a whole lotta presents underneath.

austin got a new robe, a tool chest and accessories, new jeans, socks and we got new bedsheets. and i got a purse and some jewelry, new shoes, a tripod for my camera!

then we packed up the car and drove the six hours to virginia to see all of my side of the family. we started by going over to tim's sister's for christmas eve lunch. we had a biiiig meal and then gathered around to watch my cousin morgan open her presents. this was one of those times i was a loser and didn't get any pictures for whatever stupid reason...

later on christmas eve, we drove to over to see dad's side of the family. and we had some awkward family photo fun.

and then. this happened. seth picked me up. chris picked seth up. i was trying to not crack my skull open on walls.

there's a picture of the events that happened after this. but i promised i wouldn't post. because things got weird. and hilarious. all in the name of safety, though. and fortunately my skull is not shattered in to a zillion pieces. but it could have been.

and then, finally, it was christmas morning! and here's mom and tim's adorable little {puppy proof} tree, with alphie underneath.

family picture.

everyone up at grandma and granddad's for christmas day lunch.

oh, and meet tucker. mom and tim's new boxer boy.

can you imagine how difficult it is to get six people and four dogs to pose for a picture together?

i think we got a pretty good one though. here's me, juliet and austin, obviously. and chris and jenna in the middle with their puppies mylee and laila. and tim and mom and tucker on the right.

and just for cuteness sake, laila and tucker cuddled up in the dog bed together. they quickly became bffs.

so. to sum it up. days and days of presents + waaay to much food {still not enough pecan rolls} + a little awkward family-ness + lots of puppy playing + some nintendo wii action + lots of driving + the best family a girl could ask for = one very awesome christmas. hope you all had a great christmas and hope santa was good to you, too!