Christmas in Virginia

Friday night we (finally) got out the door to travel to Mom and Dad's house. After we unloaded the car we gave Dad his tiramisu and this is who he picked to share it with:

I suppose Granddaddy gets spoiling rights, though. : )

One fun thing about our Christmas weekend is that Mom and Dad had rented a big van so we could all ride together! The next morning, Christmas Eve, we packed up and headed to Lynchburg for the day to celebrate Christmas with my Mom's side of the family. We hadn't all been able to get together since right before Jimmy and I got married, 3 years ago!

We had homemade enchiladas, Mexican rice, and black beans for lunch and sopapilla cheesecake for dessert. This year us grandkids got to do the planning and cooking! 

After lunch it was present time, and then the adults got to play a game of Dirty Santa.

Jimmy helping Charlie unwrap his gift.

Darla helping Great Grandma Virginia open her gift

Grandma with her purse we gave her!

Darla gave Charlie this stroller since he likes wheels so much!

Playing with another set of new "wheels"

The Dirty Santa gifts

The pink feather wreath my Dad opened! Unfortunately, it got stolen from him. I was hoping he could put it on his door at work (he's a juvenile probation officer)....  I ended up with some new perfume that I really like!

Family Pictures:

Nick and Stephanie

Mom, Dad, Sallie, and Mark

Dennis, Jimmy, and Daniel

Grandma and Gene

Meredith and Charlie

Me with my baby!

Baby cousin love!

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That night we made it back to South Boston in time for the Christmas Eve service at the church where I grew up, Dan River. It was a reflective, meaningful service.

After church Mom and Dad hosted the traditional Christmas Eve party that switches back and forth between their house and the Davis' house. It was great to see folks I haven't seen in a while and eat some yummy dessert!

Charlie wore a one-piece velvet outfit with bowtie for the evening..

Lookin' so cute!

Dad sneaking Charlie some tiramisu... AGAIN.

After all our friends left, we put Charlie to bed and decided to open all the Christmas gifts (usually we do this on Christmas morning)!

Mom wearing the necklace we gave her

Daniel with his book and CD from us

Dad sniffing his new office candle from us. We also gave him some homemade granola bars (and tiramisu).

Daniel and Jimmy sporting their new Griswald family t-shirts..... (insert eye roll....)

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The next morning we had the Bowens over for Christmas breakfast before we went to church. The church service was wonderful- the pastor performed a monologue for his morning sermon! 

Here is Charlie in his Christmas sweater and corduroys opening his dump truck riding toy from Granana, Granddaddy, and Uncle D:

That afternoon after church we headed to Eden, NC to celebrate Christmas with Dad's side of the family. Jane cooked an excellent dinner, as always, and then it was time for presents.

Baby Dylan and his Uncle Bruce! He was watching Angry Birds- this was the only thing that seemed to keep him calm!

Close up of baby Dylan! He is sooo precious!

Kacoo reading the Christmas story before opening gifts. She had some special things to say that helped set the tone for the evening. She is a godly woman of deep faith!

Blair, Shayna, and Charlie playing "Don't Break the Ice"

Sweet boy!

Loving the bear he was given!

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The next day we got to have lunch with Grandma and Gene again. Everyone else on Mom's side was supposed to come visit too, but Darla had developed a cough and Stephanie had a stomach bug.

Charlie in his Christmas PJs "churning butter"

Granddaddy Gene & Great Grandma Virginia

We all know who to blame if Charlie gets spoiled... ; )

Playing with Granddaddy

That evening we left to come back to Wake Forest. Even though we had a busy several days, the week after Christmas was relaxing. Our normal evening activities were not in session, so we just got to relax and enjoy some family time together. 

We are thankful to be able to celebrate such a wonderful Savior over such a lovely holiday!