Christmas in Nashville

Around the holidays, you can expect a few surprises here and there - extra presents under the tree, special sales at your favorite store, coming down with Strep Throat three days before the Big Day. Okay, maybe you don't expect that one, but it happened to me! Last Monday, when we should have been thinking about packing and wrapping, I was heading to the doctor for a shot of penicillin and hopes that we wouldn't have to cancel our Christmas trip to Nashville!

Thankfully, 48 hours later, I was feeling better and we headed out. My sister Susan was having the family over for a Christmas Eve taco dinner. We arrived in time to enjoy dinner, dessert, and playtime with cousins for Jackson. It wasn't a late night because there were four little ones who needed to get to bed early - Santa was coming!

Christmas Morning, Jackson woke up to find toys from his Mimi and Pop-Pop and a stocking from Santa. I think he enjoyed all of his toys!

Jackson's new microphone from Santa

Cruising on his four-wheeler from Mimi and Pop-Pop

Playing with his new farm also from Mimi and Pop-Pop

One of the best picture-ops came when Pop-Pop and Wesley were putting together a new table and chair set. Jackson just had to get in and help. Here he is helping his Pop-Pop.

Emily, Ryan, Susan, Tim, the kids, my grandparents, and uncle all came over for lunch. After a delicious feast, we started the massive present opening. We opened and opened and opened all afternoon. We truly received more than we deserved! The highlight of the day for Wesley came from two presents - one for him; one for Jackson. He is trying to raise a Star Wars fan, and I think it is working!

Jackson and Wesley playing with Star Wars Mickey - thank you Aunt Emily and Uncle Ryan

Wesley and Jackson with Wesley's Make your own Light Saber Toy

Jackson and Rebekah did so good during the present opening. The just moved from one person to the other examining all the new goodies. The only issue they had was before the presents were opened. Jackson got a little selfish and wouldn't let Miss Rebekah play with the tea set. She was not happy about that!

After all the presents were opened, Jackson's favorite toy was still the center piece my mom bought earlier in the season - a little musical snow scene. Jackson learned to turn it on so he could hear "Walking in Winter Wonderland." He did that over..and over..and over again! Funny, it doesn't matter how many great toys a child gets, the simplest thing will always be their favorite!

Jackson rocking out to Walking in a Winter Wonderland.

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