Black Mountain/Knoxville Festivities

As usual, it was a fabulous whirlwind trip to the Western North Carolina mountains for our traditional family Christmas. This year, we also made a one-day drive into Tennessee to see Les, Donna and Chris at Tim and Lisa's new house. (Love the new house, guys! And thanks for hosting us!) I didn't take as many pictures as usual, but here are a few highlights from our trip.


















Grandma Donna gets a load of Ollie. He loved taking tour after tour of the house with her!
















Merrit and Cousin Kylee had Nerf Gun wars. Very intense.














"Bond. James Bond."


















After a delicious meal, we opened gifts.


















Merrit gives Aunt Rita a "thank you" hug.


















"Daddy, not so high!"


















Tim and Lisa have a beautiful Christmas tree.

















Granddaddy Haynes and Rocky exchanging gifts.


















A pretty competitive game of basketball helped us burn off the ham, mashed potatoes, corn pudding, and ALL THOSE DESSERTS!


















Merrit got in on the b-ball action, too!


















Ollie just watched.













Back at Nanny's, it was time for opening presents together as a family.


















Newlyweds Page and Andrew snuggled in Papa Clyde's chair.













Great stories are told and great memories are made around the dinner table.

















Uncle Gilbert puts finishing touches on his talent show performance. I didn't take any pictures of the talent show, but it is ALL ON VIDEO TAPE. Can you say, "Blackmail," anyone?


















Santa's busiest elf kicks back for some well-deserved rest.


















We all piled onto the front steps for a family portrait. No, we don't normally look like this...this was the "goofy" shot. :-)

As I write this, we are now in Charlotte at the home of Tom, Durenda and Paul. I'm signing off now; we're getting ready to ring in the New Year. Happy 2009, everyone!