Christmas in Tennessee 2017

After celebrating Christmas in Alabama, we headed up to Tennessee to celebrate some more before making our way back to North Carolina. We had quite the adventure on our journey, which stretched our normally 5-ish hour trek into about 8. We ran over a nail while driving through Knoxville, and when we pulled off the interstate to change the very flat tire (we = Brad, obviously), we just kind of lost our minds and let the girls keep watching their movie (to keep them mollified and whatnot). Dead battery. OOPS. And two different attempts to jump it didn't work, so we had to wait on a AAA truck. (Bless AAA.) Once we got back on the road, because we were driving on a spare, we couldn't go faster than 50 mph, so that lengthened our trip even more (and apparently angered quite a few other drivers, even though we were solidly in the right lane). Oof. By the time we arrived, it was the girls' bedtime, we still hadn't eaten, and I had a migraine. Thankfully, we got fed, the girls ran out some energy, and we all got to bed reasonably quickly. 

Side note: after every long driving leg of our trip this Christmas, I got a migraine. It was so fun. (Except not)

The next morning, we got up and had "Christmas morning!" We had a lot of fun giving each other our gifts (we had to take a Lily break for a quick rest, of course, which worked out so well for everyone) and really enjoyed a laid back morning before a big Christmas lunch.

"Helping" pass out gifts.

Addie and Ray Ray. Poor Addie needed frequent breaks from the enthusiastic children invading her space.

Mooching snacks off of Uncle Tim.

Claire got her first big girl bike! (and helmet)

Lily wanted a turn, of course. She's a big girl, in case you didn't know.

Lily got a balance bike (and helmet)! So, clearly, Claire needed to ride Lily's while Lily rode Claire's. This makes sense.

This picture is actually of me showing one of my gifts. While we were in Europe this summer, I saw the Copenhagen Starbucks mug and really loved it. I didn't buy it, and I've regretted it ever since. Actively. Weekly. I've mentioned it a lot. Santa took note! I now have my beloved Copenhagen mug. :)

This is supposed to be a shot of Lily showing off her new slippers. But, it's also evidence that, yet again, my child was stripped down to her skivvies in the middle of the gift opening. I don't know, guys.

One side of the Christmas dinner table. Please note Claire's face.

That's better, Claire.

Other side of the table. It was the day after a migraine, so excuse my face.

Just wearing a hood with bear ears while brushing her teeth.

Teeth brushing makes her so happy!

And a little pensive.

Hanging with Gran by the fire. Thanks, Gran, for making sure she didn't try to climb into the fireplace.

Brad's aunt gave the girls an incredibly cool party light! You screw it into a lamp/light fixture, and it spins and projects disco lights around the room. It's the coolest. So, clearly, we had many a dance party. Claire was fully into it, and y'all, we learned that Lily has MOVES. She's a natural. And she insisted that everyone participate at some point. Including Brad's Mamaw. Also, Bill pulled up a Latin music station for us to dance to, and this guy came up...

...at which point Lily pointed to the TV and yelled, "Mama!" Apparently, we look alike?

Gran and Grandpa were super good sports about letting Claire practice riding around the kitchen area. And look how conscientious she is with her helmet on!

Making gingerbread houses with Gingerbread Grandmaster, Uncle Tim.

This was the puzzle we did over Christmas. Great, right?

Except this happened! Do you see it?? Middle of the photo, right underneath the "Heart" cap. A piece went missing! One piece out of 1,000. The living room was turned upside down in an attempt locate it BECAUSE ONE LOST PIECE IS THE WORST. We left for home before it was found, but found it was. Well done, Barbara! We could all rest easy after that.

It was really cold while we were there, so there wasn't much outside playing on the bikes. What can you do? The adults (minus Barbara who kindly stayed with the littles- thanks, Barbara!) went to see The Last Jedi (half of us-the ladies- liked it, and half of us- the gents- did not). The next day, Brad and I got to go on a little date to the dollar theater (well, $3) to see Murder on the Orient Express (anyone have opinions on this? I do.). It was such a treat to see TWO movies in one week! We had fun puzzling, watching a few movies at home, eating treats, dancing with the girls, and visiting in general. The girls also made a special visit to see Papaw. And introduce him to their stuffed animals, of course.

Showing off Claire's new Winnie.

Snugs for Papaw!

All of our Christmas travels and visits were just wonderful. We enjoyed seeing and celebrating with our families so much, and returning home was HARD. A) We had to de-program the children (this is such. a. thing.), and B) we basically all got sick. Real life, y'all. It's just not always so fab.

And with that, I'm finished chronicling Christmas 2017. Whew! I hope you all had a very merry Christmas!