For the first time in several years, all of my immediate family was able to gather for Christmas.  Twenty-three people traveled to Tulsa/Broken Arrow for a weekend of food (chocolate popcorn and Anna’s famous pretzels), fun, family-visiting.  We stayed at a Hampton, with an indoor pool, a must when my family gathers, especially since eleven of the twenty-three are under 18.  Uncle Josh, who is preparing to run a marathon in February, won Uncle-of-the-trip-award by throwing the kids around in the pool.  It was good cardio for him, a lot of good cardio.

That evening, we had dinner at Texas Roadhouse, after Big Brother Nate straightened out the hostess about our reservation.  (Too bad they don’t actually take reservations; they just “do the best they can to save tables” when you call ahead.) But whatever Nate said worked, and they seated us within 10 minutes.  The food and service were both great; Andrew crashed about 15 minutes after we sat down, and slept the rest of dinner.

All of the kids, and Nate (led by Nate, I think), threw peanuts at me all evening, and Jett climbed all over anyone who would hold him; his favorite, of course, was Papa.

After dinner, we gathered back at the hotel for gifts and snacking.  It was so nice to be all together again.  I know my mom was thrilled that we all were able to be there.

The girls (and kids) played a rousing game of “Would you rather…or…”  Some of the questions were like, Would you rather dig an eight foot hole with a teaspoon or a three foot hole with your hands.  Kennedy, Myra, and Kenzie found it particularly funny.  The boys gathered downstairs and played cards and watched football.  It reminded me of Big Granny’s house at Christmas, when there might be several card games going.

The next morning, we breakfasted and swam one more time at the hotel before setting off for Incredible Pizza and Laser Tag for the older kids.  We love Incredible Pizza; it’s kind of like Chuckie Cheeze, but cleaner and with better food selection.  They also have a regulation size bowling alley.  Kennedy’s has ridden the go-karts there a couple of times, but this year she couldn’t stay off them, probably because this was the first year she was tall enough to drive all by herself.  She did ride with Lindsay, probably because they always win a first place ribbon when they ride together.

Thanks so much for the trip and the memories, Granny and Papa.  It was another successful (surprise) Christmas…Davis-style!

This entry was posted on Sunday, December 27th, 2009 at 10:29 pm in Home Life. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.