Whew! The last month has been a-maz-ing! I bet you thought I forgot about you. I bet you thought you weren't going to get a Christmas update. I bet you thought I was just too busy to take the time and do a new post. Don't you know you never bet on what a two year old will do? My Mommy is learning that firsthand!! So, grab a snack and a cup of hot cocoa and settle in to hear all about my Christmas! 
For those of you keeping up, I'll pick up where I left off last time. The morning after the parade in Gatlinburg, we woke up to a couple of inches of snow! It was so much fun! We couldn't get down the driveway of our cabin or down the mountain our cabin was on, so we settled in for a day of snoozing and playing. 
Before we even got dressed, JeanJean took me out on the back porch and helped me make a little snowman on a tray that we found in the kitchen. Since I was still in my jammies, with no coat or gloves, we took the tray back inside and I got to play for w few minutes on the kitchen table. It was so cold on my hands, and it tasted GOOD! You would not believe how quickly snow melts in a kitchen though. After just a few minutes, it was really making a mess, and I realized that melted snow would splash and splatter all over the place. Dad put a stop to that, and dumped the melting snow outside.
So, Mom put some clothes on me and I got to build a snowman outside! We scrounged around and found some things to finish the look. A plastic cup for his hat, forks for his arms and M&M's for his eyes, nose and mouth. He was the coolest snowman I have ever made. Ok, he was the only real snowman I have ever made, but who's counting?
Later, I put on a show wearing Unc Bubba's boots and da doo da doooing through a paper towel tube. It was a nice change of pace for the family. They were getting a little bit bored and needed some "comic relief". Aren't I the cutest boy ever?
Here we are on the day we left. It finally warmed up enough that the driveway and road were safe again. So, off to do some shopping. It's a good thing you Mommy's camera is fast, otherwise this picture would have been blurry from all the shivering. It was a very, very fun weekend and I can't wait to do it again next year!
The next Sunday, we went to brunch at the Mountain City Club. It was delicious, and I got a huge bag of goodies to take home. Santa was there, and I was a bit unsure at first, but I warmed up to him as you can see.
By the time we were through eating and ready to take these pictures, The Clause and I were best buds. His beard is so soft and he was very patient to let me sit in his lap and touch it. Then he gave me a big hug and told me to be a good boy....of course, aren't I always?
I talked the family into taking a group shot with Santa. Don't we look festive? Of course, I had to sit in his lap to tell him what was on my list. 
Obviously, this picture was taken before I had really grasped the whole Santa Claus thing for the year. I did warm up to this Santa eventually. It's amazing how sharing a package of fruit chewies with Santa can make a boy change his mind. How bad can a big man with a white beard in a red suit be if he eats fruit chewies? I finally settled in to tell Santa that I wanted some new cowboy boots for Christmas.
For those of you keeping up, I'll pick up where I left off last time. The morning after the parade in Gatlinburg, we woke up to a couple of inches of snow! It was so much fun! We couldn't get down the driveway of our cabin or down the mountain our cabin was on, so we settled in for a day of snoozing and playing. Before we even got dressed, JeanJean took me out on the back porch and helped me make a little snowman on a tray that we found in the kitchen. Since I was still in my jammies, with no coat or gloves, we took the tray back inside and I got to play for w few minutes on the kitchen table. It was so cold on my hands, and it tasted GOOD! You would not believe how quickly snow melts in a kitchen though. After just a few minutes, it was really making a mess, and I realized that melted snow would splash and splatter all over the place. Dad put a stop to that, and dumped the melting snow outside.So, Mom put some clothes on me and I got to build a snowman outside! We scrounged around and found some things to finish the look. A plastic cup for his hat, forks for his arms and M&M's for his eyes, nose and mouth. He was the coolest snowman I have ever made. Ok, he was the only real snowman I have ever made, but who's counting?Later, I put on a show wearing Unc Bubba's boots and da doo da doooing through a paper towel tube. It was a nice change of pace for the family. They were getting a little bit bored and needed some "comic relief". Aren't I the cutest boy ever?Here we are on the day we left. It finally warmed up enough that the driveway and road were safe again. So, off to do some shopping. It's a good thing you Mommy's camera is fast, otherwise this picture would have been blurry from all the shivering. It was a very, very fun weekend and I can't wait to do it again next year!The next Sunday, we went to brunch at the Mountain City Club. It was delicious, and I got a huge bag of goodies to take home. Santa was there, and I was a bit unsure at first, but I warmed up to him as you can see.By the time we were through eating and ready to take these pictures, The Clause and I were best buds. His beard is so soft and he was very patient to let me sit in his lap and touch it. Then he gave me a big hug and told me to be a good boy....of course, aren't I always?I talked the family into taking a group shot with Santa. Don't we look festive? Of course, I had to sit in his lap to tell him what was on my list. Obviously, this picture was taken before I had really grasped the whole Santa Claus thing for the year. I did warm up to this Santa eventually. It's amazing how sharing a package of fruit chewies with Santa can make a boy change his mind. How bad can a big man with a white beard in a red suit be if he eats fruit chewies? I finally settled in to tell Santa that I wanted some new cowboy boots for Christmas.There were so many things about this Christmas season that were a first for me. It was a new experience everywhere we went. There were beautiful lights on almost every house, including ours. Daddy spent a lot of time putting icicle lights on our roof line, hanging wreaths on our windows, and putting spot lights in our yard to shine on our house. Everytime we turned in the driveway after dark I would say, "Wowee, gights! Bootiful! Nank you, Daddy!" He said that made him want to cover the whole roof with lights next year. Sounds good to me!
There was also wonderful music! I learned so many Christmas Carols and am still singing them! Jingle Bells, Jingle Bell Rock, Here comes Santa Claus, The Little Drummer Boy (or as I call it the rum pa pum pum song), and We Wish You a Merry Missmas and a Happy New Years!
There were yummy cookies everywhere we went. Candy was free flowing (did I mention I LOVE chocolate?) Almost every store had toys, even the ones that don't usually have toys. Santa's helpers were on every street corner taking requests from boys and girls then reporting back. GrNanny's house was like a wonderland of fun things...dancing Santa's, snoring Santa's, flying Santa's, and "uh, uh, uh, don't touch that one it will break" Santa's. How
wonderful it all was! No wonder Mommy gets so excited!
On Christmas Eve, we went to church, then back to our house for supper. When it was time for bed, I hung my stocking by the fireplace. I had to have a little help to get it on the hook behind all of Mommy's Christmas decorations. They sure were pretty though!
Once the stocking was hung, I got to set out the cookies for Santa. I had a little nibble and Mommy had to take them away from me so there would be some left for Santa! I did love me some Santa Cookies though!
After the cookies, Mom set down the milk for Santa. Before she could scoop me up, I managed to get a big sip of Santa's milk. Cold and refreshing.
The next morning, my stocking was FULL of all sorts of things. A cool truck book, some overalls, two CD's, some candy and some flash cards to help me with my color, number and letter recognition.
He brought me the cowboy boots I asked for, along with a new red SOFT jacket, a sit and spin and a microphone. Now I don't have to use the paper towel tube anymore!
When we went to GrNanny and DaDa's house, there were more presents there! I got a rhythm band, including this drum. I have fun banging around on it, but "Unc Bubba can really play. 
Just when I thought all the presents were opened and the fun was over, we all went outside and I got another present. GrNanny and DaDa had gotten me my very own battery operated John Deer Tractor with a trailer hitch! It was almost more than I could stand. It was cold and damp, but once I learned how to make it go, there was no stopping me. We didn't get to stay out for long because of the weather, but it was fun while it lasted and they promised I could drive it again as soon as the weather was warmer. Come on Sunshine!!
Then GG, Cindy, Gil, TaTa and Granddaddy came over, and guess what? More presents! When we were through opening presents, GG and I settled in on the steps to read one of my new books. Doesn't she look adorable in her new pink warm up suit? 
The day after Christmas, we got together with ALL my family and cousins for supper at Nanny's house. This picture is Nanny and Maggie. The rest of us kiddos were just too busy to have our picture taken. We had great food and lots of laughs and of course, more presents! It was a wonderful Christmas season, and I had a blast. Mommy and Daddy are so grateful for me and my sweet spirit. I made Christmas really special for them this year, and they just beamed at me and my amazement. I can't wait until next year! I'm going to try not to be afraid of Santa so that I can get a jump start on my wish list!
Not exactly sure what to expect as this first parade was kicking off. This was the parade at Hamilton Place Mall. Apparently Santa lives there for a month or so before Christmas and takes requests. Hmmmm, requests....."Mom, can we go to the mall?"
I couldn't leave this one out! It's the Chick -Fil-A float, only my favorite fast food place to eat. I call it Chick-Pil-A.
And here comes the big guy! Santa arrived at Hamilton Place in a shiny red bug. Pretty fitting since we are getting a new Volkswagon plant here!
This was the East Ridge Parade. We sat in the back of DaDa's truck and could see everything! It was COLD!!
In East Ridge, Santa arrived atop a big red fire engine.
For the Gatlinburg Parade, we always go eat at the Park Grill first. Then we kill some time taking family pictures by their outdoor fireplace. This year, we took about 150 and got 6 or 7 good ones. If everyone in the picture would learn to squirm, look away or close their eyes when I do, maybe taking a picture wouldn't be so difficult. It's so hard to get adults to pose!
GrNanny and Dada all bundled for the parade.
This year, my JeanJean went with us for the first time. It was so much fun!!
Love me some JeanJean!!
Unc Bubba and Aunt Audi sure know how to make a boy look good!
Aren't they cute?
The Hatmakers
The Gatlinburg Parade has a few things we don't see around here too often.
Yes, those are camels.
No, she's not 150 years old, and no, she isn't some fairytale grandmother. Her head got cold and she wrapped her scarf around her head. I just couldn't resist. Hahaha!!
Bagpipes! They sure are beautiful, but loud and hard to dance to. 
I managed to squire Aunt Audi away from Unc Bubba for the parade.
Once I got her, I sure wasn't letting go. I held on tight except when the marching bands went by and I loosed my grip and patted her shoulder to the rhythm of the drums.
At last! Santa and his flight crew. Now that's one good looking Santa, and of course he's the real one because he has the sleigh!
Yummy Cake!!
Getting ready to open presents!
MY very own Chevy truck!
Granny and Granddaddy got me a bouncy house!!
I got to help Granddaddy blow off the driveway so I could drive my new truck!
Waiting for Mommy to fix breakfast the day after my birthday.
Playing with the train Unc Bubba and Aunt Audi gave me.
My actual birthday day cake.
Fun at Chuck E. Cheese!
Another train! Yay!!
Aunt Audi followed me around Chuck E. Cheese and helped me play!
A natural born cowboy!
Singing with GG and playing my new piano.
My first train set from Rick and Kelli! It was love at first sight!