Merry Christmas!

Let the Festivities Begin!

Steve, Samantha and I got our holiday festivities off to a rousing start. Thanks to Mr. Dennis and Mrs. Donna at Ryder (need a truck? call 584-6195!), we were able to take Samantha to her first basketball game, along with our friends the Pierces. And, best of all, we had great seats! We were so close to the floor that the kids were thoroughly entertained. They seemed to be in awe of all of the action. Samantha, of course, enjoyed the music. She was also fascinated with the "puppies" (i.e., Smokey). She wanted to know where they were at all times.



It was a perfect way to celebrate Festivus, and to kick off what is going to be an amazing week/weekend.

Heading into the game.

Steve was so proud that Samantha learned how to really work her shaker.

Brent, Jenny and Garrison, who was too busy watching the game to pose for a picture.

Samantha and Garrison checking out the action on the floor.

It what Steve thinks will be his only dunk of the year ... true Freshman Kenny Hall!

Chris Lofton was honored at halftime. He is Steve's favorite basketball player of all time! He truly is amazing ... he played his senior year with cancer, but never told anyone so it wouldn't affect the team.

Samantha and me with actor and UT superfan David Keith, star of Indian in the Cupboard and Officer and a Gentleman.

December ... So Far

If you read my last post, you know that we've spent most of December battling one illness or another. I am pleased to report that everyone in our house is doing great, right in time for our whirlwind Christmas celebration(s). Because Samantha and I have spent a majority of our time in the house, we haven't had any adventures to blog about. Since this will probably be my last post til after Christmas, I thought I'd share just a few random things we've managed to capture amidst the craziness. And, I'd also like to pass along my sincerest hope that you have a wonderful Christmas. And, lest we forget, Happy Birthday, Jesus!!

One day she discovered her Ming-Ming costume and insisted that I help her put it on. She wore it literally all day.

Playing with her new Little People nativity set, a gift from Wawa and Papaw. She knows baby Jesus and Mary, and, of course, the animals. For some reason, she is not too fond of the angel. The donkey or sheep usually occupies the choice spot on the top of the stable.

Our new thing - "drums". She likes to get these out by herself. Still wondering what to get her for Christmas? Give this girl some kid-friendly kitchen utensils, and she can entertain herself for a long time. Steve even taught her to tap out the "1, 2, 3, 4"!

Dancing at the birthday party for Jesus at our church. She loved the music and the cake. More than anything, she loved the way her shoes sounded on the gym floor. She made poor Papaw chase her around the entire gym 3-4 times. Better him than me!

A very sick little girl celebrating her great-Grandma's 90th birthday in Gatlinburg. She was thrilled to see her Uncle "Yonny", Johnny to the rest of us.

Static, much? We were playing earlier today and absolutely cracking up at the static electricity she was generating under the slide.

Maybe she is a little bit Fletcher after all. She made a new discovery tonight. Mommy's party mix! And not just any party mix, it was spicy. I don't even know why I'm surprised that she digs the cumin, red pepper and chili powder.

Playing in the "blanket", which is actually a Santa Claus bag. This was the first time we managed to get her Santa hat on without her ripping it off. I think she looks very fancy, and very *sniff* grown up.

I just need one good one!!

I have been trying for almost 2 weeks to get a good picture of Samantha for our Christmas card. I'm not sure if you've ever tried to photograph an uncooperative toddler. All I can say is thank goodness for digital pictures! In Samantha's defense, she has been sick off and on since after Thanksgiving. She had the croup last week, which she got over pretty quickly once she got some steroids. (Then I had to put up with roid rage all week - Ugh.) Then she started running a fever over the weekend, which turned out to be some crazy virus. She's over that now, too, but our Christmas cards couldn't wait for her to be totally well. After all, I had a coupon that was about to expire!

I thought you might get a kick out of some of our attempts to get the perfect picture. Or, this year, one that was good enough. We eventually managed to get a smile out of her by pretending to sneeze. Apparently, she thinks that's hilarious. In the finished product, she had a fever of 103.3!

FINALLY!

Thanksgiving and Such

We had a great time in West Tennessee over the Thanksgiving holiday. Samantha loved being at Big Guy and Grammy's house. She really made herself at home! She played with my old toy dishes, colored quite a bit, and discovered my piano. I think she enjoyed playing with her cousins more than anything. She loved Garner and Grace (Anna Grace to the rest of us.) She was also quite generous with her hugs and kisses. It was hard to pick out just a few photos. So, settle in and enjoy.

Ready for some turkey!

Hugging Memaw as she makes her rounds.

Big Guy and Grammy with the girls.

Anna Grace and Samantha sharing tea as Gran looks on.

Lined up and ready to eat!

Giving her Grandaddy an eskimo kiss.

Showing off her dance moves.

Checking out the Black Friday sale ads with Grammy.

"Playing" the piano.

Getting ready for a big day Friday ... going to see Santa Claus and a real choo-choo!

She's still a little skeptical ....

Our family with the Big Man.

A real choo-choo! - At Casey Jones Village.

Ringing the bell with an assist from Big Guy.

The caboose.

Riding the Samantha-sized train in the gift shop. She pitched a fit when we made her get off!

What a big girl!

Dancing with Gran's dancing bear.

Sharing her Kit-Kat with Gran.

She put Gran and Grandaddy to work in the yard with stick rakes.