A Holly Jolly Christmas

We had such a wonderful (and busy) Christmas this year down in Tennessee. We started off the festivities at the Petty family annual stocking stuffer. Kathryn really got into Christmas this year, and it didn't take her long to figure out that just about every stop we made meant more presents to open.

Visions of sugar plums?

More proof that it is impossible to get a decent picture of all three kids... Dressed and ready for Santa!

Brad's mom has made each of the girls stockings their first Christmases. I couldn't wait to see what Maggie's would look like this year. She is so creative!

The first gift of Christmas - I guess you can hardly see it in this picture, but it's a baby doll bed. The cutest one ever. And they absolutely love it.

Of course, their favorite thing was to put their real baby in it. And she didn't mind the attention too much, either!

Maggie pretty much slept through all of Christmas morning, but she was able to have some fun when she woke up. She was just starting to pull up while we were there, and by the time we got home she was pulling up on everything, and walking back and forth along the couch. Last week she started clapping! We just love watching this little girl grow up and see her personality really start to take shape. Santa brought her a Leap Frog table and she stands and plays at it all throughout the day.

We had a big fancy meal on Christmas night, then on Friday we went to Opryland Hotel, which was a "new tradition" that we started last year. The lights and decorations are absolutely incredible. This Christmas tree was 40' tall. In all their indoor decorations they use almost 200,000 lights, and 15,000 poinsettias. If you've never been to Opryland at Christmas time, it is a must see.

Of course, Maggie got the best seat in the house.
The whole Pettes family

We've been trying to get back to "normal" since we got home. January is a big cleaning out month for me. Even though I tried to get a head start before Christmas, there are still plenty of cabinets that are so jammed full they will hardly close. Yesterday I took the day to potty train Livie - finally! It went really well, but today we've had some set backs. After going through this once before, I pretty much expected that, but it doesn't mean it's not discouraging. Kathryn seems to have grown up overnight. She has turned into quite the little thinker and problem solver. It's so hard to believe she will be four this year. I don't know where the time goes, but it goes fast. This year I want to take the time to sit back and enjoy every moment of childhood that passes our way. We are so thankful for the three blessings the Lord has given us to shape and mold into His children. We're looking forward to a great 2009.