At Long Last, Christmas in Atlanta!

Christmas 2011 has come and gone, but the

 memories of a wonderful time in Atlanta will

 remain with us forever.  Great-Grandpa Loyd

was in fine form to receive his four great-grandchildren

along with the rest of the family.

Evan and Claire visit "Grandpa Loyd" upon their
arrival.  Claire is proud to show off her new glow-
in-the-dark airplane shirt.

Grandpa Loyd has an airplane of his own to
show: his P-47 Thunderbolt.

But leave it to Claire to provide the action!
"I'm going to be a pilot!"

The game of one-upmanship continues as
Grandpa pulls out his harmonica and entertains.

It's chilly, but nice enough for a stroll in the garden.
Claire shows the butterfly she's found.

An updated four generation picture.

Claire: "I like your place, Grandpa Loyd."

Evan decides to go reindeer hunting.

"Uh, what do I do now that I've caught him?"

Day 2 found our whole clan gathered at Picadilly
Cafeteria for a festive meal.  With these four to
watch, the food took a back seat.  Not that we
left anything on our plates.

Brianna: "Can you imagine how much more fun
this would be if we knew what money was?"

Hide-and-seek around a vending machine.
Cheap entertainment-- at this age.  Next year . . .?

Why pay babysitters.  These guys take
care of themselves.

Hunter and Stephen make up their own games.

Later, Hunter practices his karate on some
unsuspecting table ads.  Including something
like hee-YAH!

The big event was after dinner at Grandpa Loyd's
house.  The children were fascinated with this
holiday setting Caryn brought.

They were drawn to it like a magnet.

"I FOUND IT!  The magic music button!"

Bold Brianna is sent off all by herself to tell Uncle
Buddy something.  Wonder of wonders, she does it!

Evan: "How am I going to open this without
putting down my toy train?"

The biggest miracle of this Christmas may be
that everyone was looking at the camera!  We
weren't sure the traditional family picture was
even a possibility this year, but it was!

Grandpa Loyd is thrilled to be surrounded by
all four of his great-grandchildren at once.

These children love toys, but they create their
own fun with whatever's available.

Hunter's trying to show Brian a little about
how to play the piano.

Always thoughtful Caryn has Brianna deliver a
birthday cupcake to Mommy Amanda.  Almost
every birthday of her life has been celebrated
in Atlanta.  (She's also never had to go to
school on her birthday!)

Bri and Hunter weren't nearly as interested in
playing the organ as in hearing the loud whirr when
 they turned it on and off.  Again and again and again. . . .

Hunter was quite impressed with Grandpa Loyd's
aviation bear.  But his thumb was even better.

Matt shows Grandpa's many Air Force photos to
an awed Claire.  She's the real aviation enthusiast!

It would hardly be Christmas in Atlanta without
special and heart-warming music from our friends.

Even the young listeners know talent when they hear it.

Evan says: "This is some party, Dad.
Let's come back every year."

Pick your own favorite caption:
Ken: "What do you mean, Can I put Evan on
my shoulder?"
Hunter: "Folks, I'm getting a little squished here."
Claire: "Um, I think Bri's about to go BOOM."
Brianna: "Coud somebody hurry up and
take the picture?  Yikes!

We never let a photo-op "slip away."

Here's the Loyd family's parting shot.  Also, the
Coles, Kirbys, and Talberts.  One slight difference
from the earlier group photo.  Bri's waving at you!
Have a great 2012 everyone!