Dollywood

We spent a few days in Gatlinburg after the hustle and bustle of Christmas.  The kids joined us for a day at Dollywood.  It was Stacy's first time to Dollywood at Christmas.  The weater was cold but we had a good time.  Greg and I ended our "holiday" in Gatlinburg with dinner at The Peddler.  Yummy!

Christmas breakfast at Pa's house

The grandchildren: Johnny and Portia, Cody and Alysha, Casey and Markie,

Brandon and Amy, Stacy and Tandi

 The children; Greg, Robin and Marc

It's a "tradition" to have breakfast on Christmas morning at Pa and MamMaw's house.  It's always delicious with fried ham, biscuits, gravy, eggs, fried potatoes, etc.  Only this year I noticed that Pa never sat down; never "enjoyed" the morning.  When we left, I decided to try and think of a new "tradition" for 2010.  Any ideas? 

A Visit from Santa

We were honored to have Santa stop by for a brief visit.  He was in a big hurry so after we snapped a few pictures, he was on his way again.  Thanks Santa for the visit!

CHRISTMAS EVE

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve.  It began with a yummy dinner of ham, rolls, hashbrown casserole and finger foods.  Johnny and Tandi read the Christmas story from Luke before the gift exchange.  Pa and MamMaw joined us for dinner and gift opening.
There were lots of surprises...Portia and Tandi received their great grandmother's handerchief framed which they carried down the aisle on their wedding day.  Johnny got a framed scripture to hang in his office.  Stacy got his dual shock control for shootem up.  Greg got a North Face jacket.  I got a red coat which I love!  It was a great evening with family and one that I won't soon forget.   

Dinner with distant family

We met our distant family (meaning we live miles apart), Shelby and Marin, in Nashville and had dinner at Bonefish Grille.  It was so good to see Marin and spend time with her and Shelby.  Marin has grown so much and is absolutely beautiful!  She is still the spitting image of her mother.  It was the close of a wonderful weekend with our sweet Madi.   

Christmastime with Madi

"I need a little help, please"

Christmas came early at the Barnwell house!  Santa made a special delivery for Little Miss Madi.  There were so many gifts; she didn't know where to begin!

"a tooth brush"

"Look, Tandi, it's eggs just like in the barn at Pa's"

"Pa, What you doing with your eyes?"

Pa has always had a special talent!  Not everyone knows his secret of "turning up his eyelids".  He loves to show off this technique to little ones.  Madi was spellbound and wanted him to keep doing it over and over.  This is a sensitive area of the body so repeats are few!  Madi enjoyed the entertainment and we enjoyed watching her expressions. 

"Look Pa!  That's me in your wallet!"

Pa is proud of his baby pictures in his wallet; all of Madi!

Friends: Tickle Me Elmo, Tandi and Madi Lynn

Oh what fun...
We have so much fun when Madi is here.  She brings so much laughter, smiles and warmth to our home.  Here she giggles with Elmo and Tandi, and continues to play with her blocks...love those blocks!  We love you, Madi and miss you terribly!

Madi's Blocks!

This girl loves her blocks! 

Poppie and I traveled to Decatur today to pickup our sunshine girl for the weekend.  When we arrived home, the first thing she did was play with her blocks.  Madi loves her blocks almost as much as we love her!

1st Photo of Baby Shanks

Portia had her first official doctor's visit today.

The ultrasound revealed a "very strong" hearbeat and everything looks great!

Praise the Lord!

Little Johnny or Little Portia's expected date of arrival is

 August 3, 2010.

YIPPEE! 

Now to get Portia through the morning sickness.

Bless her heart!

Thank you, Lord, for this blessing!

I can't wait to hold this little pinto bean in my arms!

Grammie loves you so much already!

HO HO HO...Is that you...Santa?

Poppie played Santa today for his friend, BJ, at his real estate office.  He listened to over 75 children disclose their "wish list" and he had his picture taken that many times too!  It was a fun day for the children and Santa.