William's glasses

Even though you might have noticed in the holiday photos, I forgot to mention that William now wears glasses. A couple of months ago, there was an eye screening at school, and William brought home a form stating that he had significant hyperopia. We were very surprised as we had no idea that he had any problem at all; he certainly had no signs or symptoms that we were aware of. So, I made him an appointment with an optometrist and soon discovered that his eyesight was pretty bad. The doctor does not think that he will "outgrow" his condition due to the severity, and said that he also had some amblyopia and was glad that we were able to determine that there was a problem and get him in before it got worse. William does great with his new glasses; he is very conscientious about wearing them. I guess that goes along with his OCD personality. He was a little self-conscious at first; it took a while for him to let me take his picture. I think he looks very handsome, don't you?

Now that's what I call Christmas!

The family get-togethers began on the 22nd at our house...the Brand Christmas.

Posing all the kids before the gift-opening begins.

Rebecca got an easel. She loves it!


Anna and Vivian tearing into their gifts.


Ellen loves her new pet playset.


A Wii game?!


A basketball for William


MawMaw and Granddaddy start opening their gifts.


Not sure what this is all about.


In their matching ballerina gowns


Christmas Eve--The Woodall Christmas


Vivian and Rebecca both love these gifts from Granddaddy Bill.


Checking out the stockings...Rebecca and the recorder! Ellen shows her new sippy cup.



Home again and getting ready for Santa. Daddy reads 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.


Christmas morning: The first 3 were up at 5:45 to see what Santa brought!


Our stockings!


Ya think Henry might be a little excited?


Opening gifts


Wow!


Rebecca arrives downstairs fully dressed. She spots her pink MP3 player and her Hello Kitty camera and she is a happy girl!


Candy--my next favorite thing!


Off to Mema & Granddaddy's for a late breakfast.

Anna and Rebecca in their matching T-shirts that Beth decorated!


PawPaw and Ellen


Mema and Vivian


William, Walker, and Henry


Granddaddy


Now to Nannie & PawPaw's for a late lunch/early dinner

Nannie and PawPaw pose with their 11 grandchildren, ages 8 and under


Henry's excited again.


Anna and Vivian


I just can't believe I got an Elmo car!

Billy's birthday

Billy's dad took us all out for pizza for Billy's 39th birthday on Dec. 17th. (Got to get planning that 40th celebration next year!) I carried his traditional homemade red velvet birthday cake to the restaurant, in case you see a little of it on some toothy grins below.

Christmas parties

Whew, now that Christmas is OVER, I can sit back and reflect on all the fun we had! It was busy, busy, especially with all the activities at school. I am seriously thinking of having the boys in the same class next year. I know, I know, I vowed to have them separated for their own "identities," but this Mom is frazzled!
2009 was a good year for us, overall. It brought many changes and challenges, but I believe that each one has made us wiser, stronger, and more humble. God has blessed us in so many ways.

Throwing snowballs


Enjoying yummy food

Christmas fun at school

Henry decorating his gingerbread house


Rebecca putting some touches on hers


Vivian's preschool Christmas program



Getting a hug from Granddaddy David


Our angel. Her rendition of "Away in a Manger" will just melt your heart.



Vivian's preschool party



Henry's party: They decorated cookies and made several crafts.


William's party: They got a special visit from Santa!


Rebecca's party: They wore their pajamas and watched Polar Express and then had a fun party full of games and yummy snacks.