The boxes were given by many generous hearts and hands............................
They were placed in our home, hallways, bedrooms, every space available........................
Then loaded back up to go to the children..................................
Then given to every child that we could find that needed a "Box of LOVE".
Help, I have been put in this stroller and am bound for America with only my two front teeth.
Bethany and Juda open their first Christmas gifts. Backpacks filled with goodies for our 24 hour journey, including three flights across much land and a few seas.
Juda is thinking, "What are we doing, that is a long trip ahead, what will we do, what will we eat, where will we sleep, oh so many questions going on in my head, if only I could talk."
We made it to Tokyo now onto San Francisco. hey I'm ready, let's go.
It appears we have Mr. and Mrs. Suzuki with their Tomoyuki. They have made it to San Francisco and don't know where to get their luggage or to make it through customs, what will they do next.
Uncle Steve was the first of many to meet for the first time. Thanks Uncle Steve and Aunt Cynthia, cousin Kristina for greeting us at the airport. How special to enjoy our first meal in America with you at none other than the "Waffle House". Tomoyuki's first experience with GRITS. That would mean both grits and Girls Raised In The South. 
This is my Paw Paw. I think he likes me.
This is by biggest brother Andy, I think he likes me too.
Bethany and her Andy. "I thought Andy was taller than me before".
See what I mean, Caleb is wearing his sock too.
Enjoying a wonderful and delicious meal at IHOP, International House of Pancakes with Lena, Paw Paw and Maw Maw.
Bethany, Cynthia, Katrina and I enjoyed the Nutcracker at the FOX Theatre in Atlanta. Bethany and I were still suffering from jet lag and dozed during intermission. I felt better after my power nap but we couldn't wake Bethany from hers. 
We met up with Sylvia and her family at the Varsity. You can't go to Atlanta and not eat at the Varsity, what would people think.
Marie and Hayden. My guess is this little guy loves his mommy.
Okay, notice the "V" in the back ground. Official Varsity Picture Spot.
Aunt MaryAnn enjoying a photo album from Sylvia of days gone by.
Ronnie, Ben and Juda hearing the dinner bell ring.
Juda's thinking, "If that little one is Elmo, this must be the "Cookie Monster" and "Big Bird", no matter, I don't think I like them."
Sylvia, Linda and Sue trying to decide "Is Santa Claus coming to town?"
Bethany's first experience cracking PECANs.
Andy and Ben thinking, "That mom of ours, always has that camera out and you know she is going to post this on her blog, so, you better smile and look like your having a good time." And, you are right about that boys.
Okay, the sofa queens are pleased to announce that "Santa is coming to town."
This set of sofa queens were not in on that conversation, they don't have a clue who Santa is.
Juda is thrilled by Aunt MaryAnn's gift of a new hot wheel race track. He plays with it regularly.
Tomoyuki says "Thanks Aunt MaryAnn", my first puzzle, and perfect little red knobs for my little fingers to handle".
Bethany enjoying the animals. She thinks Aunt MaryAnn runs a farm. She does, a crazy farm.
Aunt MaryAnn giving Bethany gifts of a doggy and dolly.
Quinton or Justin (sorry, not sure which one) providing a very warm soft place to lay his sleepy little head. How very sweet.
Bethany with "Elmo". I always thought Elmo was Red.
All the cousins and their husbands/wives.
All the cousins without their husbands/wives. Brenda - you and I just can't not laugh. What do we think is always so funny girlfriend.
All the second cousins............ the majority are my children. We have made a sizable contribution to this family.'
"One of these things is not like the other...one of these things just doesn't belong"???????Can you guess who has the "Special Needs". Look real close, take your time, looks can be deceiving. 
Happy Birthday to Joe, Happy Birthday to Joe, Happy 50th? Birthday to Joe
Bethany says: "The girls sit here, and......
"The boys sit here".......
We are singing "Merry Christmas" to Cindy and Tracy's family in California.
Adam must not have gotten enough to eat earlier. Poor Jessica??????
Tomoyuki says: "This is my cousin Kristian and Aunt Cindy. I have another Aunt Cindy and an Aunt Cynthia", these Americans are so creative.
Bethany, Katie and Lindsay. Lindsay is fresh from New York City. 
Good thing Cindy and her family weren't there. Where would they have fit int he picture??????
we wish YOU a merry christmas........
we WISH you a merry christmas........
AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.............
After Christmas we found out that Maw Maw had a tree fully assembled in the basement, Oh well. We worked with what we had and decorated the wall. It was fun. After a late night at Joe and Cindy's, it was hard to wake up on Christmas Day, actually if I remember correctly we didn't wake up til noon. Jet Lag can last a long time, when you don't stop once you arrive.
We got the coffee going ASAP and tried hard to look "Merry and Bright".
Tomoyuki got his first set of car keys.
Bethany is opening one of her "Island Princess" Barbi's. She needed to get a brush instead.
Ben and Caleb trying out the WII system. What a fun thing to watch them play.
