Joy-n-John: Time with the grandparents (and more...)

As if all the recent travels weren’t enough we’ve kept it going for the last few weeks of 2010!

It was a great few weeks as Jan got to spend some quality time with all of his grandparents. First Mom and Dad O', along with Aunt Cathy and Uncle Terry visited us in Mexico. I’d say they all deserve some kudos for braving all the negative press to spend a great week with us in Mexico. It was a great few days with time spent at the beach and tasting all of the wonderful dishes Mexico has to offer. Highlights of the trip include numerous drives in the wrong direction of a one way street, shots of tequila for all, and beef; delicious Sonoran Beef! Here are some of the better shots.

When that crew left Joy and Jan Braxton also hopped a plane bound for Nashville, TN where they met Joy's Mom (Grammie Lou)

and spent a number of days with her Lou, Aunt Kimberly,

Uncle Keith, cousins Crystal and Tyson, and even a surprise visit from Joy's sister Dawn and her family. While short it's always great to catch up with family.

The day prior to Thanksgiving John flew into Atlanta and Joy, Jan Braxton, and Joy's Dad picked him up at the airport. We all spent the next few days with Mimi, Aunts Yvonne, Chloe, Addy and Uncle Paul as well as Shelby and Garren. We all stuffed ourselves with Turkey, Ham and all the rest of the traditional Thanksgiving Day delights. It was great to be with family. Highlights of this trip included two trips to the emergency room and more time than anyone ever want getting a computer fixed.

Shortly after returning from Alabama we turned around for a short weekend in Oaxaca City, Oaxaca, Mexico...What a brilliant city! It's relaxed, charming, and overloaded with talented artisans. We really enjoyed it and recommend it to anyone looking to discover authentic Mexico. We toured a botanical gardens,

saw a number of weddings,

and haggled with merchants like we were locals (Yeah right...I'm sure we paid 3 times what a local would have paid!) But a great time was had by all for sure.

Lastly Joy's niece Crystal and husband Tyson took the international plunge and visited for a handful of days just before Christmas. It was a real pleasure to share all of Mexico's joys and charms of Mexico with them.