Christmas Fun!

***Warning: The post you are about to view contains many many pictures of people most of you probably don't know. Feel free to skim over, as it is designed to show our time in Nashville to those who wanted to be there (and are probably related to us) and will enjoy looking at the photos. Otherwise, enjoy reliving our Christmas adventures!***

Christmas Eve in our beautiful chapel, lit by four lanterns to represent Christ as the light of the world.

The next five hours were spent driving to Franklin, TN to be with family. Amos slept the whole way there and was ready to party! We stayed up waaaay too late! Here he opens a box from Great Grandma Sheehan, who sent a new riding toy (from second cousin Danny) and a big crane!

Christmas morning was beautiful, complete with a toasty fire and packages under the tree!

Amos was the only one to receive presents from Santa this year...a cleaning set, cookie cutters, a coloring book and crayons, a wooden doggie and some shakers!







Dad got a remote controlled helicopter that he flew around the living room!





A little people bus from Great Grandma!!







This year was a step up for Joel, who in years past had wrapped presents in plastic grocery bags. This year, he glued the newspaper wrap, using what he had at home!





Amos enjoyed his african drum from Aunt Bethany and Uncle Dan; and just as Joel opened his african chess set, Bethany called from Malawi to wish us Merry Christmas!

Amos went from toys to....tupperware!

Wish you were here...

We spent Christmas night with the Partains and were treated to many more gifts and awesome cooking by Aaron, even on his day off!

Mama P loved her gift from Papa P!

Not taking it personally, Grammy Carole hugs Amos good bye.

The next day, Wednesday, Amos and his Grandaddy began the day by reading "What is the What?".

And after a day of post Christmas shopping, the guys prepare to hook up the new TV.

Mom was quite sad that the TV her parents gave us finally gave out.



Good bye to Uncle Jesse.


Amos' first and second attempts at photography...not bad!!


...play with the new TV box and snow shovel!





Saturday we took a trip to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum downtown and enjoyed the Ray Charles exhibit.






We felt like Nashville tourists, walking down Broadway to Jack's BBQ restaurant for the best BBQ I've ever had!


Amos played his fly swatter guitar that night, thoroughly inspired! And no, he doesn't want flies with that!


Sunday morning we woke up to deer in the front yard!



After a play on the Meeks Grandparents playground, we headed home. After a long nap, Amos tried out his new water paint activity and really enjoyed it!