Christmas in Kingsport

We traveled to Kingsport the day after Christmas for a holiday visit with the Goods.

Wonderful Christmas Chaos

The two crazy cousins - shown here decorated as dogs - enjoyed playing and fighting with each other. It is a joy to see them play, but we all felt like we needed a recording going with statements such as "No," Share," "1, 2, 3" ... well you get the idea. It was cold outside so that limited the activity options. We found solace with the television.

The cousins

Clara & Grandpa

Christmas with GranWises

We were very excited to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in our own home, and we were even more excited to have the GranWises and Mea Mea with us.

Christmas Morning

Caleb had asked Santa for a Thomas Train. We swear he's had several but we couldn't locate one in the house that works with his train table, so we supported his Christmas wish. When Caleb found it Christmas morning, he immediately took it upstairs and added it to his collection.

I love this picture because Clara is playing in Caleb's tent and Caleb is playing with Clara's ball popper. I guess this is just the start of not being happy with your own things.

Caleb received a cool guitar from Mea Mea.

The best present of the year is on top!

Christmas Eve

We went to Christmas Eve service at our church. Here's our best attempt at a family photo.

Caleb with Jesus' birthday cake. Happy Birthday Jesus!

Caleb and Daddy reading the Christmas story.

Cookies for Santa!

Looking A Lot Like Christmas

Caleb has been a joy this Christmas season. He sees lights on houses and says, "Look Mama - Christmas!" or "Happy Birthday Jesus!" Let me tell you, it's hard to not be in the Christmas spirit with him around.

Seth's mom has been buying Seth a Hallmark car ornament each year since he was a little boy. Caleb didn't agree that these were ornaments though. We did hang them on a little tree in Caleb's room - a pretty cool tree for a little boy!

Clara might not know what is going on, but we can still dress her up in cute holiday outfits!

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

We had our annual trip to see Santa a couple of weekends ago. This year's Santa was the real one! Just look at him!

Caleb had talked about seeing Santa all morning. He was determined to tell him that he wanted a Thomas train. He remained excited until the moment we walked up to Santa. Then Caleb had no desire to sit on Santa's lap. So we put Clara up on his lap instead.

Clara immediately went for the beard.

We convinced Caleb to stand beside Santa in order to "help" Clara tell Santa what she wants for Christmas. Caleb wasn't too sure about that though.

Santa started talking to Caleb about Thomas the train and Caleb thought that was a little cool.

Caleb finally gave Santa a five, but that was as close as he got. Notice that Clara still has Santa by the beard.

Thanksgiving 2009

We had our Thanksgiving in our own home for the first time this year. Grandma and Granddaddy Wise made the trip from Hickory to spend it with us. We very much enjoyed not having to travel but missed the rest of our family. We bought a fried turkey from a fundraiser at church but did the rest of the sides ourselves. It was a great weekend - so much to be thankful for!

Mea Mea and Clara on Thanksgiving

Family Picture Take 1 - look how Caleb feels about it!

Take 2 was a little better!

Caleb wanted to hold hands during grace but he wasn't about to let go of his roll!