Sunday, January 02, 2011

Tennessee Christmas

I was blessed to spend time with my TN family over the holiday. They are a very busy,talkative family and a direct opposite of what I'm used to at home, where I live a solitary, quiet existence outside of work. It was, as one person put it, 'the best kind of tired.' My early morning flights went off without any hitches (despite the fact we had to turn around and retrieve my coat, which in 60 degree weather, I had forgotten).Aaand my suitcase has finally arrived! Whew!

I was really tired after my arrival home yesterday and had a tremendous sinus headache, but this morning my headache is gone, Lilo kitty is still staying within touching distance...if I don't pet her often, she reaches out a paw to touch me. After being around petite Ti-Ti for two weeks, my Lilo seems very big and heavy!

Below are just a few of the pictures of my wonderful trip which included doing a craft with my El each day before Christmas, wrapping presents, shopping and shopping and shopping, going to see zoo lights by night, returning to the zoo during the day to watch Little Miss ice skate and see the animals, playing in the leaves, napping, helping make/clean up wonderful meals and treats all engineered and produced by my daughter(in-law), playing Rock Band with them, having 'movie nights,' hearing my son play the piano and sing at church, seeing my daughter(in-law) teach a wonderful Sabbath school for the birth to three year olds (even if E was the only one there on Christmas Day!)watching El enjoy 'green wrappers,' open all her presents and listen to her intelligent, enlightening chatter. She sang song after song and even made up her own verses. Takes after her parents with her musical ability! I enjoyed hearing her say, "It's my fav'rit!" whenever anything interesting, new, exciting, or wanted was discussed, seen, or tried. It's great being a grandparent!

I also, for the first time, saw live flamingos and a red cardinal. God gives us such artistic beauty in large and small ways!















this is what happens after you blow into a bowl of flour!


Oh, and if I ever hear Goofy singing "White Christmas" again, it will be too soon! :D