Lufkin with the Smiths

Sticking with the family theme of Christmas, we had a chance to see the entire Smith side in Lufkin.  The Monday after Christmas we zoomed over to Lufkin to spend time with my dad's side of the family.

Lots of great-grandkids on this side of the family.  This was the first time all of them have been together.  10 kids - notice the amazement in the kids' faces.

Hey, ho, hey, ho....

The last time the entire family has gotten together was for my Mamaw's funeral.  My Papaw has moved into a senior living residence where he met Gloria.  This was the first time I had the privilege of meeting her, and she was as gracious as every one had told me.

Striking a pose.  We like to have fun on this side of the family.

The parents'-to-be hanging out on the sidelines.

We had the entire day's worth of activities at the First Baptist Lufkin gymnasium.  Perfect for all the wiggly kiddos on a cold winter day.  We got some races going.

Justin loved being in the pack of boys all day.  Nothing like testosterone companions.

It was so fun watching all the kids play that all the adults decided we must do this more often.  It's always hard with work schedules, where to stay, etc.  But just putting forth the effort is always worth it.

We didn't see an age limit on the tricycles, so my dad gave it a spin.

As did some of the cousins.

Then I decided we would have crawl races.  Those didn't last as long.  Ole Shani always has to organize the chaos at some point.  Plus, what kid doesn't like to compete?

It was rather humorous watching the adult grandkids play as hard as the younger kids.  Something about a gym and a stack of dodgeballs.

If they weren't throwing the balls at someone else...

...then they were getting pegged and on the ground instead.

The second story helped make that possible.

Lots of wrestling going on.  My physical touch boy was in hog heaven.

Then we went into one of the banquet rooms to have a catered dinner. 

The kids ate quickly and then continued on with the games.  A lot of the kids had not been around each other in years, but the blessing was how well they got along.

Papaw gave a good talk thanking everyone for coming and how blessed he has been.  So thankful to not only still have a grandfather alive but a believing patriarch as well.

It was so fun to hang out with my cousins.  And how blessed we are to have so many.

Derek had caught a one day flu-ish bug but happened to escape the hotel to join us for dinner.  And make it for the grandkid and spouse photo (which was timely right after I took off my shoes and traded them for tennis shoes).

Papaw and his three children

Uncle Charles had already left at this point, so we included mom and Gloria.

Though I don't know Gloria well, I do know how happy she makes my grandfather and what a good companion she is.  Which in turn makes me happy.

So thankful for my Papaw

We couldn't leave without one last tackle.

So thankful we made the effort to do this.  Plus, we lucked out when the hotel manager heard Derek was not at his best and gave us a room with a suite.  So Justin and I bunked in one room with sickie Derek in another.  What a blessing.  Justin loved sleeping in the same bed with his momma for the first time.  Looking forward to seeing everyone again soon.