Christmas catch-up

Yes, I did write a post on Christmas but I have been planning to add pictures and such from our festivities but simply did not have the time.
We went to several holiday functions, did lots of driving, received lots of gifts and had a great time with all our family. Our Christmas started the 18th of December at Daniel's grandparents on his mom's side. We had a gift exchange between the kids, had a pot luck (sort of-- Granny made more than she signed up for) and visited with family. This year we didn't get to stay long because we committed to a family Christmas in St. Louis that includes a 6+ hour drive. You see, when I was a kid, we spent Christmas Eve with my mom's parents and siblings but moving to TN prevented us from making it every year and eventually at all. A couple years ago mom's family decided to celebrate 'Christmas Eve' early so that my parents, siblings and all our families were able to celebrate like the old days. My aunt Rose rented a church hall because about 50 people were in attendance. We were late due to the aforementioned drive, so we spent about 3 hours at each function with the drive in between. Whew, we were tired.

Our family at the Wilson Christmas

St. Louis

My mom, me, my grandma & Maggie

My uncle Jimmy showing my grandpa how to

catch a ball?

We drove back home, put up a swing set, celebrated around our little tree Christmas Eve morning, then headed back to TN for a celebration with my parents and siblings. Daniel's mom and grandparents dropped off gifts for us Christmas morning and my MIL wrote us the sweetest notes that brought me to tears. We spent much of the week under the weather, celebrated Will's birthday, then headed to Nashville on New Years Eve & Day for a Christmas celebration with Daniel's dad and stepmom's family.

 Our family Christmas Eve. Look at Maggie's

pretty little dress. Love it!

 mom & dad working hard

Maggie's Christmas Day outfit

I guess we only took video footage of our "Christmas

morning" so I gave Will this b-day gift early

 

 Will & Maggie with Grandma (my mom)

 Maggie & G (Daniel's mom)

 Granny & Paw Paw (Daniel's grandparents)

 Snow on Christmas Day!!

Daniel flipping the kids at the Belcher Christmas

 

 

good shot of Will (thanks to Pam)

The Tenry family Christmas

We have discussed for several years the need to cut back on our travelling in December and thought we may pull it off this year. But we wanted everyone to meet our new little addition, especially considering the drama associated with Maggie's birth and all the prayers that went out for her. We knew all were anxious to see her face-to-face. So maybe next year (well, this year now!) we'll be able to cut back. We'll see. :)