This Christmas we were invited to spend Christmas in Hernando, Florida, at the home of Cathy Heaps and her husband, Fran. They are my daughter-in-law, Mandy's, parents. John arrived here in Texas on the 21st so we celebrated with Josh and Lindsay on the 22nd before they would be traveling to East Texas for their Christmas with Josh's parents. Oh Christmas Eve morning, John, Ron and I flew to Tampa where we then rented a car and drove to Hernando, about an hour and a half north. After checking into our hotel, we then went to their house which was so beautifully decorated inside and out. We were joined by Mandy's brother, Tom, and his wife, Dev. All I can say is that for the next three days we had an incredible time celebrating Christmas with gifts, good food, laughter and lots of card playing. For me, to be able to be there with that entire group, was such a blessing. Cathy and Fran were such wonderful hosts and we truly experienced a new sense of family. I snapped a few pictures below for you to see.
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| Mandy showing us the cute umbrella that she received ! |
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| I love my new APhi shirt from Mandy. |
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| Robert and Mandy |
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| John |
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| Ron |
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| This picture doesn't do this table justice. It was absolutely stunning. |
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| One of the three fully decorated Christmas trees inside Cathy and Fran's home. |
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| This was their outdoor patio where we spent a lot of time. |
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| Beautiful wreath hanging in kitchen area. |
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| Their home was lit up like crazy at night! |
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| Beautiful wreaths to greet you at the front door. |
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| Tom and Dev were the main cooks of this incredible meal! Such nice people! That is Alice to Tom's left who is a special friend of their family. |
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| Ron, Cathy and Fran. |
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| These three melt my heart: John, Mandy, and Robert. |
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| Our home away from home for Christmas visit. |
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| Another view of the tree out on the patio. |
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| Brothers saying good-bye, having no idea I took this picture. |
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| Did I mention they have a pool in their backyard? |
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| Love. |
