Christmas Nashville

We decided to try a Christmas trip this year. My back has been relatively stable so although I was concerned I threw in my cards. About an hour and half down the road we stopped to find a Walgreens for pain medicine. Between that, frequent stops, and an ice pack, we made relatively good time. And the weather was great. 

This was a stop a a rest stop in Kentucky. And yes, my mind was elsewhere so that may be my finger on the bottom.  

 

Don was told by his coworkers that he needed to stop at Buc-Ee's. And so we did. Have to admit it was way too crowded and thus the said crowd outweighed any benefit. But we did it. 

We made it to the hotel and were welcomed by this cute little snowman.

I tried to take care of my back and enjoy our hotel view, 

while Don and the Bee walked the city. 

The next day we walked the city together and met some good friends of Don's from his New York days. 

Took this one for Jo.

My back was giving me grief so this was frequently my view. 

We had dinner in a place with a live band. It was so loud it was completely distracting, but I suppose when one dines in Nashville, one goes for the music not the conversation. After dinner Rebekah asked to see the wax museum. And so we made it happen. 

Whitney greeted us on the way in. She seemed excited to see us. 

There was a movie to start us out. My back suggested I wisely used the time to lay on one of these couches. But no worries, I used my coat as a shield between me and all the other people who sat on the couch. 

Further in.... 

Little Jimmy and Tammy 

Patsy Cline 

Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis 

Rebekah in a car with Elvis. It was bound to happen at some point.

This next section was probably my favorite. 

Duke

Ella and Louis

Stevie

I think Rebekah was more excited about the motorcycle than Keith. 

I remember these guys, although I was somewhat surprised to see them here. 

One of Don's favorites, Darrius. 

Possibly one of Rebekah's favorites, but she's a closet fan right now, so shhh.... 

The Bee had to stick a pose with Justin. 

I'll be honest, I have no idea who this guy is, but the Bee sure seems to know. 

Eric Church in a typical country music pose. 

Can't leave without a Reba shot. 

Then we wandered the mall. 

Found the lego store. There was a line. 

I chose not to enter into this one. But it smelled sooooo good. 

The night ended with dinner. Yes, Rebekah is wearing my coat. 

And a final Christmas shout out from Coca-Cola. 

Then we went back to the hotel and slept the night and morning away. Eventually we got on the road to head back listening to as much country as our playlist would supply. 

Christmas at Home

My brother sent all of us siblings Kearns High Hoodies for Christmas. I've show more school spirit in the past month than I did in high school. Pays to know the principal. 

We had Christmas Eve at grammy's complete with Pizza King for dinner and peanut butter fudge for dessert. Oh, and lots of presents for the Bee. 

Then we went back home and waited for Santa. I happen to love that we sleep in on Christmas. Best Christmas present ever. 

I don't have a lot of pictures of Christmas Day, but it was a good one. This was a surprise for Rebekah. Last minute I sent Don to Hobby Lobby for a gift card and a..... 

A shelf! 

Christmas loves. 

Rebekah did my toes with her fancy equipment. 

Then we had a Christmas dinner where Don cooked me fish. It was the perfect! Need to make that a tradition. 

Then the next day I disrobed the tree to prepare it for the weeks before new years festivities. Still looks beautiful. 

In other Christmas news, Rebekah decided to take christmas money from grandma and get her nails professionally done. They look great! 

December

The day after thanksgiving my friend stopped by on her way home from visiting family. Years ago I asked her if I could make use of her photography skills and take our family picture. And then I got extremely ill. This year we made it happen. That's our Christmas tree in the background. And you wouldn't know it, but Rebekah has on boots, Don socks, and I have slippers. Here's to the comfort of your own home. And here's to our first Semi-professional family picture. 

We were going through the blog and found a Christmas duet Rebekah and I sang. She wanted to recreate it. And so, I present: 

For Comparison

Eventually we set up the tree. 

Rebekah decided to be willingly photogenic. 

Very willingly. 

Make that extremely. 

Many years ago my friend made me the following out of air dry clay. I added the sheep. One of my favorite Christmas decorations. 

And what have we here? Yes! Ladies and Gentlemen, after 4 1/2 years, the Walker's have blinds! We put up the one to make sure. The rest were put up after Christmas. We're still waiting on the larger window blinds to come. 

More Forced Family Fun: this one was a drive through of some local Christmas lights. 

A good friend gave me the owl. I love it. 

Michael sent me my new favorite Christmas picture. 

More FFF: painting Christmas ornaments. 

One night Rebekah went through Don and my old yearbooks. I give you 1993 meets 1980.