Merry Christmas!

Because John's had a such a rough year with his health, we decided if the roads are good enough we should go home for Christmas. Lucky for us, everything worked out and the roads were clear even throughout the Blues pass and we made it home! We stopped first to surprise Donna and John, they had no idea we were coming. They were surprised alright, Donna was in the middle of her Christmas baking and we spent every afternoon/evening at the Cox's. I think they're getting tired of spending Christmas Eve and Christmas morning by themselves so it was nice to be there. On the 23rd we had the Pettingill Christmas dinner of delicious ham and ribs, the pot guessing, Dad's spiritual message, blessing on the family, singing happy birthday to Jesus, and gift exchange. Being that there were almost 40 of us, it was very loud and "organized chaos" but it was so nice being home for Christmas for the first time in 7 years.

Dad and Joseph did the most special, sweetest thing ever for Charity's 16th birthday. We all know the hold back about getting ears pierced and she's the only granddaughter that doesn't have them pierced. Dad wrapped an empty iphone box and gifted her with a pair of daisy studs made of ivory. They were so cute and she was beyond excited!!! Later on I asked her if she was disappointed that she didn't get a cell phone and she promptly said with a beaming smile, "Oh no! I'm so excited to get my ears pierced!"

 

The next day (on the 24th, Charity's actual birthday) she invited all the girls to go with her to the mall to get her ears pierced. I HAD SOOOOOO MUCH FUN!!! I don't even remember the last time I hung out with the girls like that in our family! It was seriously almost better than Christmas, and just being with the girls in my family was all I needed.

Linley and Cora played on the cars for a while.

Charity chose these really pretty teal colored studs and with her entourage in tow, she got it done. Then we looked around for a bit and I bought her a pair of CZ pineapple studs that she picked out, and gave her a $25 gift card to the mall for her birthday. It was so special and such a sweet moment, I'm SO incredibly thankful to have been there for it.

I think the sweetest of all sweetest things is that Joseph took time off work to be there with his oldest daughter. He knew how much it meant to her and I was just so touched by that loving gesture.

 The whole gang

After getting her ears pierced, we went to a few dinner stores to help find Charity some high heals. Because of the winter season there really wasn't much out so she didn't buy anything but we had a grand old time! It has been a pleasure to watch Charity grow up and my is she gorgeous. What a lady.

My Christmas Eve babies, love them so much! After we had dinner with Donna and John, the kids opened up their Christmas Eve gift - new pajamas and Home Alone 2. We watched that and ate Donna's yummy treats she made before heading home to tuck the kids in bed.

We went back home the day after Christmas, so it was a fast and furious 3 night trip. I'm so thankful Lance took time off work to go with us as a family! We definitely decided that if we do it again we would always do Christmas at home first, and then travel to see family for the holidays. It was go, go, go from sun up until 10:30pm every night with no naps and nothing but junk food to eat. So everyone (the kids especially) were extremely worn out and on meltdown status. But, it was good to be home and we enjoyed every bit.