Christmas in Kentucky!

Dec. 17... We packed up two weeks worth of clothes and a ton of Christmas gifts and headed out the door at 7 a.m. for a much anticipated holiday break. The drive to Kentucky wasn't too bad. We didn't hit much traffic and we arrived at my mom and dad's around 4 p.m. We even arrived in time to watch the Cats play in the second half of the Kentucky/Louisville game. Mom had just prepared some fresh homemade fudge and chocolate chip cookies. Needless to say I was more interested in the fudge than the game! Brian and Carrie came over that night and we all ate a delicious dinner together. It was so nice to be home with my family.

Dec. 20... Mike and I traveled to Lexington to meet with some friends we hadn't seen in a long while. Mike dropped me off at Carabbas as I had dinner plans with some friends that I used to work with at Lexmark. Mike met up with some college buddies close by. Afterward, we stopped by Meredith and Chad's house, friends from EKU.

Julane (middle) and Debbie (right) were two of my closest friends at Lexmark. They were two big reasons I loved my job SO much. I hated leaving! They are still very dear to me and we try to get together as often as possible.

Meredith (right) and Maggie (left) were ADPi's with me at Eastern. We've had so many great times together, both during school and in the years since we left. They are both wonderful friends. Love you guys!

Dec. 23... Mike and I went out to eat with our friends Lyndsay and Pat, and then we all went to a Christmas party at another friend's house. We saw several buddies from high school that we hadn't seen in years. It was great to hear what new things were going on in their lives.

Lyndsay was my very first friend. We met at a baseball park when we were four years old. She has been such a blessing in my life - a constant and unconditional source of friendship for all these years. I love you, Lynds! It was so good to see you.

Dec. 24... We spent Christmas Eve at my Grandmother's house as my family does every year. There are many new faces there as everyone keeps having more and more babies! They are all adorable. Unfortunately, Brian's wife, Carrie, was sick so they weren't able to make it. We fixed a plate of food and took it over to them.

Dec. 25... A very merry Christmas was had by the Carnes family! Mike and I were given some really great gifts and we were happy to see that everyone loved the gifts we gave as well. Oh, and Mike shocked me with some beautiful diamond stud earrings!!! Thanks, honey!