A Nashville Christmas

After a week of appointments for Jesse and errands, we (including Jesse's family) travelled to Nashville for a quick trip to see his extended family. After a stop at the Lebanon Outlets, our first stop was StoneyRiver for a steak and presents with Bill & Cindy Mason (Poppi & Pippa to Ellie). They treated us to a nice dinner and Jesse was able to catch up with them while I chased Ellie around and ultimately ended up in the car before dinner was over. I got to visit with them more once we got to Maggie Moos for some ice cream and late Christmas presents. Ellie LOVED going there! Plus, getting new toys was an added bonus for her! She really enjoys seeing them. After a great visit, we headed to Franklin to stay with Jason & Lena Cox. Ellie loves listening to their new cd (check it out http://www.ragdollcountry.com/) and was thrilled to see them at their home. We got to visit with them and a good night's sleep before going to breakfast with them at Cracker Barrel in the morning.

Ellie discovered Jason & Lena's piano and got busy playing her tryout for their band

After breakfast, Jesse and I ran a few errands before going to his Aunt's house to meet up with the entire Cragwall crew. Despite the rainy day, we had a yummy brunch prepared by Jana and we did presents late for them as well. It's fun to get all the cousin's together (6 in all) and have them play. To Ellie, the Fuller boys are "the boys" and of course she always loves to see Parker and Taylor! It's always great to see that side of the family.

Ellie found the Fuller's piano very quickly and started singing away...



We all left the Fullers and headed to Nana's house to see Jesse's mom's side of the family for a late Christmas as well. Nana had some snacks out to munch on and we were able to have some time with just her before everyone got there. As soon as Grandmommy arrived, Ellie roped her in to playing and they "found" Nana's make-up. Here's what happens when Ellie finds lipstick:

We exchanged some presents and visited with Jesse's uncle and his family before heading back to Knoxville in the rain. We always have a good time visiting the Nashville clan!

A Cragwall Christmas

We waited to do the Cragwall Family Christmas until after Jesse got home. The morning after his return, we did our own little family Christmas morning with a pancake breakfast and presents! The biggest hit by far was Ellie's new Elmo book, "Together at Heart" from Daddy that he recorded for her. It is an AWESOME book for kids, especially for military kids with a parent deployed. She kept reading through it over and over again.

We all went over to Jesse's parent's house to do a big Christmas meal later that day. This was Jesse's special request - a big holiday meal. After eating, we opened presents. Everyone did great for each other this year. Lots of thought put in to everyone's gifts.

The grand finale present for Ellie from her Grandparents was a new electric car! Man, was she pumped! She got in and wanted to drive it around so we took it outside to their backyard and let her take a spin. The only problem we had was getting her out of the car!

Jesse's Homecoming for R&R

Jesse's return was such a high for our little family over the holidays. It was hard not having him around for Ellie's 2nd birthday and Christmas, but we had planned for him to be home when it would be most relaxing for him - bowl games! Jesse's family met Ellie and I at the airport to greet Jesse when he got off the plane. He had caught an earlier flight that had been delayed, but we were able to get to the airport in time. Unfortunately, I didn't get the text from him telling me he had landed b/c I was having to keep an eye on Ellie so she didn't fall over the ledge trying to touch the water so we had no idea he was there until he walked right up to Ellie and said hello to her. UGH! But, at that point, we didn't care and just wanted to hug him. So much for the sign I had ordered and the crowd that was there to cheer!

Ellie giving me a heart attack - she wanted to touch the water so badly!
Jesse's Dad waiting for the flight to arrive and ready with a camera...
Ellie was THRILLED to see him! I think it was great that he was in his uniform and she was able to connect that Daddy was home from "work". She didn't want him to leave her sight. Then, I got my HUG and KISS! Man, it had been a while and I was so happy to be able to embrace him and know he was safe. Enjoy the reunion pics!

The sign we didn't have ready when he came down the terminal...UGH!
Ellie finally got to touch the water...mission complete!
What better way to celebrate a homecoming than with a Publix Cake?!

Hardwick Christmas

First up of the holiday celebrations - the Hardwick Christmas. My parents ended up staying with Ellie and I the week leading up to Christmas, so they were able to celebrate with us while Jesse was away. On Christmas Eve, we went to Providence for their 5pm service. As expected, it was an adventure to have a toddler in their for too long. Ellie made it about half way through and then I ended up taking her out into the foyer to run around with some of the other kids and their parents that had the same problem. The service was great - really put the holiday into perspective, especially after our church had finished a study on the 7 churches of Revelation.

We came back home and had Italian Beef sandwiches for our dinner. After bath time, we all went into the bonus room and my Dad read the Christmas story (a tradition we did when I was a kid) and I showed Ellie the story with her Little People Nativity. That was a great activity for her to put names with the story. Once Ellie was in bed, I, I mean Santa put out the treats for the morning. :)

Christmas morning, we had Ellie wake up and come see her treats. Jesse and I decided to wait on her presents from us for when he got home, but we went ahead and did Santa with her. She was very excited about her new toys and treats!

We had our birthday breakfast for Jesus and then went upstairs to the bonus room and did presents with my parents.

Afterwards, we showered and got ready to head up to Cincinnati to get their in time for Christmas dinner at my brother's house. It was fun to celebrate with Jonathan, Jennifer, Baby Langston and Jennifer's dad. We ate a yummy dinner and then opened presents. It was fun to see Langston surrounded in gifts and in total observation mode! We had a great time together, even though it was short. My parents, Ellie and I headed back to Knoxville the next morning so my parents could start their trip back to FL the following day. Merry Christmas, Hardwicks!