A Country Christmas Comeback

Opryland is one of the kids' favorite places to go and explore.  After the Nashville floods, we were all very worried about Opryland and what would happen.  However, they pulled together and the hotel opened right before Christmas for its HUGE Country Christmas.  After going to ICE, we could not help but to go and see how the hotel was decorated.  It was lovely. The kids were precious.  They were amazed at each and every turn they made.

LB was intent on showing Johnathan and Addison the cave she and Carter discovered at Lads to Leaders.

They especially loved the BIG poinsettia tree.

Papa John and Mama C with the Welch grandchildren

A rare family picture in the Delta

Santa Claus is Comin' to Town in ICE!!!!

Our holiday was made a little brighter thanks to a kind gentleman (again from Dustin's church) who gave us all tickets to experience this wonder!  All had a great time!

Bundled up and ready to go!

Completely bundled up now and ready to go!

I love Fred!

The kids loved going down the ICE slide

LB with the nativity shepherd

One last picture - yes, Carter is crying because he wanted to continue sliding!!!

ICE was amazing as always and we are so thankful for the big generous hearts who have helped make our Christmas so special!

A Welch Christmas

We woke up Monday morning to a BIG breakfast and Christmas with Damon's side of the family! The kids are always a hoot when they are together.  They took turns passing out all the presents which was interesting to say the very least - some presents were mixed up and some were opened that should not have been,  but hey! They had fun!

Carter had another baseball Christmas - big surprise there!! Although he did get a Titans sweatshirt, too!

 All the kids waited so patiently as they watched others open presents!

Once Johnathan opened his Star Wars Lego book from us - that was all he cared about!

(except picking his nose, apparently! - You will love me for that one one day!)

LB was most excited (just a tad) when she opened her

PILLOW PET!!!!

More of Carter's baseball things - showing off his new baseball gloves

(Just like Josh Hamilton's, mind you)

I don't know what I did for this picture to turn out like this, but I thought it was cool looking.

Johnathan took a break from Star Wars Lego book to play his annual

Hot and Cold game with Damon.

Overall it was a great Christmas with wonderful family!

A Surprise . . . A First . . .

Saturday night, we were gathered around Damon's brother's dining room table talking about football.  Carter mentioned that he really wanted to go to a Titans game - one day.  Dustin (being in on the secret) told him that maybe when he was 30 or 40 he could go to a game.  Carter, in turn, told Uncle Dustin that maybe when he was 10 he could get to a game.   . . . and the conversation ended.

Sunday morning after Bible class and church, Damon was trying to get Carter to hurry.  

He looked at Carter and said, "Come on, we need to get going!"  

Carter asked him where they were going and Damon asked him, "Where do you want to go?"  

Carter said, "To the Titans Game!!"

Damon replied, "Then let's go!"

This was the reaction we got!

Taken with my iPhone and the fact he was jumping around - the reason it is blurry!

 The Welch men (minus Johnathan) hit the road and had a great time at the game.  Damon was a trouper and took a camera so I could have pictures of this first for Carter!

The Titans scored as soon as the guys got to their seats - on the 5 yard line, 6 rows from the field, on the Titans side.  Don't feel too sorry for them!!!

 One SUPER excited boy!!

Final score wound up being 31-17!

A BIG win for the Titans!

(and then the camera battery died so no more pictures were taken!)

Thanks to Dustin's friends at church for the amazing tickets!

CrAzY cOuSiNs

They may look sweet . . . .

 They may seem cooperative for pictures . . . 

 They may show that sweet - not fake smile . . .

 They may stand still just long enough . . . 

 But AFTER church, things are a LOT different . . .

 They turn a little crazy . . .

 They don't cooperate as well . . .

 The smiles are a little more forced and fake . . .

 There is no such thing as standing still . . .

 However, these are the moments we will remember . . .

 These are the pictures that will become our favorites . . .

because this is who they really are at this moment in time!

Aren't we thankful for cousins?

Now, you may wonder why Carter did not make the "after church pictures" . . . .

Check back to see why he was out of these priceless pictures.

Merry FHU Graduamas

It is that time of year - where you try to cram a lot into not much time!  Friday was one of those days.  We had Christmas with the Whittle side of the family.  Mom held it at her house and we dined fine on soup, salad and Dad's homemade bread!! YUM YUM!!!  We enjoyed being together, but missed Damon, Richard, Amy, Chuck and Walker who could not be there for one reason or another.

The two red headed ladies in the family

That night, we all met up to see Freed Hardeman's graduation.  The family always enjoys being together and can get a bit loud, but we have fun!!!!

Sweet Andrew - I love this picture of him!

Jason and I were the photographers!

Our first graduate of the night - my cousin, Jonathan.
He got his MBA from FHU.

Our Second Graduate of the night - Garrett

We are so proud of Jonathan for going back and getting his Masters.  We are also so proud of Garrett.  He became just one of the family over the past few years.  He will be missed more than he will ever know!

We love both of you

and

are so proud of you!