Christmas 2007

A Tender Tennessee Christmas!!!

This year, we had planned to spend Christmas with MeMe and PawPaw at our home in GA, but after a few last minute plan changes, we ended up at their house in TN!

The kids always enjoy being there, and they are spoiled to no end from the moment they crest the door!

...And talk about making yourself at home!!! Check out Court in PawPaw's massaging recliner!!

We did a lot while we were there, including EATING TOO MUCH, a trip to the new dinosaur museum, lots of shopping, LOTS OF EATING, a candlelight service at their church on Christmas Eve, and UGH.... MORE EATING!!! Dad did his famous "low country broil," and ... did I mention we ate??? As always, it was GOOOOOOOOOOOD!!!!

Here's PawPaw cooking in their basement kitchen.
Alex is hauling a paper mache Santa around for some unknown reason...
PawPaw shows off the feast!
Alex can hardly contain himself... He knows there are shrimp and crablegs in the pot...
The 3 oldest ones attempting to wait patiently...Look at those faces!!!
I was afraid he might actually pounce on the food.

MeMe and PawPaw allowed the kids to open one present from them for each day they were there, and the kids had a blast with it! One day, the 2 little ones opened talking and singing rocking horses! Check out Ashi all saddled up!

'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house...

You could hear Ashi grumping because I was trying to take a cute "night before Christmas picture" of all 4 of my kids tucked into MeMe and PawPaw's bed!!!!!

Christmas Day, Alex read the story of Christ's birth:

Luke 2: 8-14, 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

Courtney and Avery led everyone in singing, "Happy Birthday to Jesus."

I am so thankful that they really do grasp that Christmas is about the birth of our Savior, and not simply getting presents!!!!

Here they are opening all their gifts on Christmas Day...

Ashi knew just how to do it!

Thank GOD for car carriers and for my "stow and go" minivan. Otherwise, we would have had to mail a couple of the kids back to GA!!! We still had to leave some of the presents there! Here is a shot of our playroom at home after we got back...

We drove back home Christmas Day, and found that Santa Clause had visited our house, too!

The kids had a great Christmas this year, and we were blessed to spend the season with family and friends. God is good!

Thanks to MeMe and PawPaw for a WONDERFUL time in TN, and for their thoughtful gifts!