We had an eventful Christmas with tons of fun packed in. It was spent with family and friends and we loved every minute of it (except the car rides, those were not so fun at times).
We kicked off Christmas week by meeting Santa. It went exactly as I planned it would. Caroline cried screamed, Anna Scott talked to him like an angel convincing him that she had been a good girl this year, and Will sat there content and smiling per usual. It was entertaining to say the least and we all got a good laugh watching the interaction.
After meeting Santa we traveled on to Gatlinburg, TN to spend three nights in a cozy cabin nestled in the woods with my family. My grandmother gifted this trip to everyone for Christmas and it was wonderful! Everyone was under the same roof for three days straight. We had a ball eating, playing games, laughing, and watching the babies play. The cabin was filled with fun activities including a swimming pool, movie theatre, and game room. We hinted to GG that we hoped this became a Christmas tradition. Hopefully she picked up on our {not so subtle} hints. I didn't take many pictures while we were there and I really don't regret it. I tried to focus on being present with the family and not obsessing over taking pictures and videos of everything. I have all the memories in my mind that will last a lifetime.
We had much more success with statue Santa than we did with the real Santa.
Thanks to GG, Aunt Sandra, and Granny the rest of us got to enjoy a night out at The Peddler kid free. Delicious!
On our way back to Birmingham we stopped and visited Alan's Grandmother in Knoxville, TN. She cooked us a yummy meal and I am so glad that Caroline got to visit with her! We don't get to see her often so it was a special treat to see her this Christmas season.
Next stop, Birmingham! We were with Alan's parents for Christmas eve and Christmas morning. It was so special to continue their Christmas traditions with Caroline. She made everything so much brighter.
She was such a big helper making white trash with Lollie and Dada.
Miracle on 34th street was a favorite holiday movie this year.
We enjoyed a delicious Christmas Eve dinner at Grill 29 with the Cease crew. This baby girl was on her best behavior! She skipped her afternoon nap and I was very fearful of what was to come at dinner once she got sleepy. She must have known that Santa was coming the next morning because she couldn't have acted better. I was a proud momma!
After dinner we changed into our pjs and left cookies for Santa under the tree.
And woke up on Christmas morning with more presents than we knew what to do with!!! Santa (aka Lollie and Poppy) sure do know how to spoil us. (Yes she is sitting in the dog bed. We couldn't keep her out of it.)
After a very overwhelmingly wonderful Christmas morning we were on the road again to Arab to spend Christmas evening with my family. These three nuggets make my heart so full it could explode!!
I have to give the "most entertaining present" award to my mom and dad. They got Caroline a very tacky ball pit that she would not stay out of!! Now it has become a fashion statement in my living room. Thanks Granmommy :) It was a hit!
Even though Caroline is only nine months old, it was still such a joy seeing the joy of Christmas through her eyes. I cannot wait until she gets old enough for us to teach her the true meaning of Christmas and celebrate the birth of our Savior together as a family during the Christmas season. She is our most precious gift and we thank the Lord for her every day!
