Christmas in Nashville

We had a wonderful Christmas. Children do make it so special. J and W aren't old enough to really understand everything yet. But I am pretty certain that they understood the meaning of Christmas. They know who baby Jesus is. They know that Christmas is His birthday. J ran right up to a nativity scene on the fireplace and said "Baby Jesus!" And that is the most important part. It was nice that they didn't quite "get" the whole Santa part of Christmas yet. Geoff got up with the boys on Christmas morning and did their routine as usual. It wasn't until we went into the living room and handed them their stockings that they knew something was different. But after pulling the first item out of their stocking...they were pretty much satisfied. Then after the first gift, they both sat down ready to read their new book. And we just kept handing them more gifts. They were pretty excited to open their Cars Mack Transporter...and the Tonka trucks...and the new battery-operated Thomas the Trains... And kept asking for Skittles in between all of it (there was a tin of Skittles in their stocking). But it made an impression on them. After we returned home, one of the boys would say "open presents." Just out of the blue. I have a feeling next year will be a whole new ball game.

J looking at a new book:

W digging in a stocking (not his stocking...just a stocking)

SKITTLES!

J showing me his new Cars Mack Transporter...

W "whooaa" at his new Cars cars.

Papap opening a funny card:

Into their new stuff:

W enjoying some new books with Papap. BTW, sometimes I just see a picture that makes me really SEE the boys getting older...looking bigger. This is one of them for me.

Playing on the piano...

Before Christmas we were able to relax with my family in Nashville. We went to the Opryland hotel to look at lights and we saw an ice sculpture exhibit of the Grinch. Uncle PJ treated us for Christmas. It was neat but FREEZING. You know you are in trouble when a rented parka is included in the ticket price-to wear over your own coat. Genius really. It made me walk through the exhibit fast.

My mom and I did some shopping. I had to check out the new Trader Joes in Nashville - I love that place! We had a yummy Christmas meal made by my mom. And it was actually cold enough to make it feel like Christmas. Very very merry.
J and Geoff in line for the ice exhibit...

Papap and W in the Grinch exhibit.

Here is Papap trying to convince W to go down the ice slide. No way Jose.

Grandma and J at the Opryland hotel: