Mize Family Christmas

Saturday, December 18th, we headed to Birmingham to celebrate Christmas with Levi's mom's side of the family. It was a bittersweet time of fellowship, since we were missing his Daddy Mize. Sadly, he passed away earlier in the month from complications of heart disease. He will be missed tremendously!The day mostly consisted of lots of eating, talking, opening presents, and relaxation. Levi's Aunt Johanna makes the best hash brown casserole and of course there was ham, dressing, mac & cheese, and too many desserts to name. After lunch, we played Dirty Santa which never disappoints. I truly play dirty...my first one with his family I took $25.00 from his Ma Mize...Hey don't judge me, I was a poor college freshman! This year Levi and I came back with an Auburn Snuggie and a really awesome pot for my flowers this summer.

Christmas 2009

Avery, Taylor, and Graham

Christmas 2010

Taylor and Graham

It was a lot of fun getting to see how much all of the babies had grown this year. Ava Grace and Avery had a ball with each other. Avery was her little doll and she only referred to her as sweetie...it was too cute!Avery is really into reading right now, you finish one book and she has another one already in mind. Uncle Keith just loved reading to two of his favorite girls. Taylor and Avery have him wrapped around their tiny fingers!

For the first time ever, Levi's Aunt Pam was there to take part in the fun. She lives in MA, but due to the funeral she was able to join us.

Levi's Mom, Ma Mize, and Aunt Pam

Several years ago, she started the tradition of sending all of her nieces and nephews Christmas Ornaments each year for the tree. Levi and I have so much fun taking out the ornaments he received and hanging them on our tree each year. Since all of those nieces and nephews have grown up and many have kids of their own, she has extended the tradition to them. Avery got her first one this year...a Noah's Ark. She loved it and at least once per day after we put it on our tree, had to take it down to examine the animals!
After a long day, we said our goodbyes and headed back to Auburn for the night. Maybe we will get to visit with everyone again this July :)