We spent the week of Christmas and Christmas Day with my family in Alabama, so we spent a few days before that (and a few days after that) with my in-laws in Tennessee. The drive to Alabama from Durham ranges between 9 and 10 hours (yes, it's a ridiculously long trip), but my in-laws live SO CONVENIENTLY about halfway between here and there. It's awesome. Basically, anytime we drive to my parents', we stop and spend the night in Johnson City so that we don't have to do the whole thing in one unbelievably long day (because with a mostly potty trained toddler and a pregnant me, there are quite a few stops, making the trip oh so long). So, we did our second Christmas (you know, following our Durham Christmas) yet again before actual Christmas.
We went to Brad's Mamaw/Papaw's and Aunt Donna/Uncle JD's (who live next door to each other) for lunch and a visit the day after we arrived and had a great time! Claire got some adorable and lovable gifts (including a pair of boots that are cuter than any of mine and some more matchbox cars, which are some of Claire's absolute favorite things in the world)...and she also got what I would normally label as contraband in the Boswell house: a University of Tennessee cheerleading uniform. Brad's aunt and uncle are Vols fans and when they saw Claire in her Auburn dress on Iron Bowl day, they decided the Volunteers needed some representation. We'll see about that. New Baby got her first gifts, too! She got some clothes and a sweet little lovey. And no, she still doesn't have a name. We're trying. It's HARD, y'all.
One of her gifts: Mr. Giant Bear! She was a little scared of him at first, but I totally caught her holding his hand in the car on the way home. And, she's been dancing around the house with him since we got home.
We had fun playing games (quite a few rounds of Dominion and Qwirkle) and eating (a lot). Claire had a blast, as both Tim and Rachael were around for lots of uncle/auntie fun. Tim and Brad (and others of us, in and out) watched through the original 3 Star Wars, which Claire also rather enjoyed (I, of course, tried to distract her from the overly violent scenes). She makes excellent droid noises, by the way. She also loves this Jimmy Fallon Star Wars medley. We may have watched it in upwards of 78 times. If she asks to watch Star Wars, she's most likely asking to watch Jimmy and friends, not Harrison. She also has the best time chasing Rachael's and Barbara's dogs and chit chatting with Barbara's bird. You really should hear her speak Bird. It's...something.
I will say, she has become fairly high-maintenance at bedtime, at home and especially when we travel. There is a protocol to be followed or she WILL NOT STOP TALKING. She needs to be in her jammies AND SOCKS. She needs her good night flashlight (night light) on. She needs her water bottle nearby, her pillow in place, and her two lovies ready for bed. At Gran and Grandpa's, she also needs the gigantic blue Little Tikes car that Daddy and Uncle Tim used to play with. In the bed with her. To sleep with. Also, she sleeps in Bill's office where resides a decorative 2-foot tall suit of armor. At Thanksgiving, she spotted him, pointed, and with all seriousness asked, "WHO is THAT?" From that point on, the suit of armor needs to be shrouded in a towel. Bless us.
For church on Sunday, we decided not to try putting Claire in nursery, as she still experiences a great deal of trauma with nursery at our church here in Durham. We just decided to keep her with us in the service, crossing our fingers that she could be quiet. And you know what? She was fantastic! I had a notepad, pencil, and stickers in my purse that kept her occupied and kept a steady stream of pretzels in her little hands. She was so quiet and self-entertained...except for one moment when she misplaced her pencil, forgot we were all being quiet, and said (rather loudly), "WHERE'S THE CRAYON, MOMMY?" The surrounding pews got a good laugh out of that moment.
We did family Christmas Sunday afternoon after nap, and it was lots of fun! We felt a little weird opening more presents than everyone else (we opened our presents from everyone and they each had only two per person from us), but that did not stop us from plowing ahead, surprisingly. We got some super thoughtful and useful gifts. Claire opened her gift from Ray-Ray first, and man, has it been a hit. Back when Claire stayed with them in October, Rachael noticed that Claire enjoyed playing with Brad's old guitar, so she got Claire a toy ukulele for Christmas. Claire adores it. So much that she now insists on sleeping with it in her bed every night. At Gran's house, Nana's house, our house. It is a permanent fixture in our lives. We'll think she's been asleep for a while and then hear strumming through the monitor. Well played, Rachael, well played.
Tim got her an Etch-a-Sketch (which was super because her old one was a hand-me-down and had stopped erasing when shaken. Claire calls it a computer, bless. Aunt Sue made her a fabulous toddler-sized sleeping bag and travel pillow. It's ah-dorable. Bill and Barbara got her some bird seed for our bird feeder (she loves putting seed out for the birds and watching all the cardinals that come by for a snack). Fun fact: the cardinal is the state bird of North Carolina. They also got her new dishes for her kitchen, an Olaf blanket and sheet set, and wooden cars (y'all, this girl loves cars of all kinds), to name a few other things. So many fantastic additions. Thank you so much, family!
She agreed to share with Uncle Tim...
...then she realized the anxiety associated with giving up control of her beloved instrument...
...and managed to retrieve it. Whew.
Keeping the ukulele close while looking through Gran's calendar.
And again while giving a Christmas hug to Alexis.
The dishes came with a dish drainer! Perfect for our child who loves to wash dishes.
Aunt Sue wrapped one of Bear's presents like this. SO CUTE.
Flashlight in stocking that matches Gran/Grandpa's flashlight. She was told not to shine it in anyone's eyes...
...her face when reminded of that command.
Posing with Ray Ray and the "guitar."
After we opened presents and visited for a while, Tim started playing Christmas carols on the piano and Claire accompanied him. Enthusiastically. And forcibly insisted that everyone sing along and dance to "Jingle Bells."
Tim...such a good sport.
Matching instruments!
Matching-ish tops! MANY thanks to Rachael for the additional running gear for Brad; the post-running laundry situation is now much more tolerable for the non-running (but laundry-doing) wife.
We had a great pre-Christmas Christmas with our Tennessee family and are so grateful for everyone's hospitality and generosity. It was very merry, for sure! And now, a few gratuitous shots of Claire, in an attempt to get an adorable Christmas shot. She quasi cooperated. Enjoy!
1 comment:
Yea! Glad to hear you are sharing the Qwirkle love.
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