Zeigler Family Christmas in Waynesville

For the Zeigler (Will's mom's family) family Christmas this year, we planned many months ago to go to Waynesville, where John Michael and Stacey live. We, despite all that they've been through, they very graciously decorated their house and invited us all in to celebrate Christmas for the weekend. Most of the family stayed at the Herren House, a fabulous bed and breakfast one block from downtown Waynesville (HIGHLY recommend!!) and the male cousins and significant others stayed with JM and Stacey. It was a bittersweet weekend. Sweet in that it was Ruthie's first Christmas with the Zeiglers and it is always fun to get the big family together, especially as we are now all spread out (Walker is the only student left!). But it was also a difficult weekend, as it has been less than two months since JM and Stacey lost their son John Henry. I think that made it a little sad for all of us, and showed us our need to have grace and patience with each other as we all grieve in our own ways and timelines. We are thankful for JM and Stacey, as it took a lot of courage to allow such a large group to invade a place that has been a very safe haven for them in this time of mourning and readjusting. Particularly us, with our baby girl.

Wyatt was super excited to come see Uncle John Michael and Aunt Stacey, as well as their animals. He was also excited about staying at the Herren House. We stayed there a few weeks back when we came up for John Henry's funeral, and Wyatt made friends with Jack, the owner's 5 year old son. Wyatt was thrilled to stay at "Jack's House" again!

Saturday morning, Wyatt and Will went and met JM, Stacey, and the guys to get out and do a little hiking. Wyatt had a BLAST and hanging out with his Aunt Stacey. I think he provided some much needed comic relief as well as lots of hugs and unconditional love.

She also taught him how to eat the frost of off the trees, something that a three year old thinks is AWESOME.

Ruthie definitely got her share of being held by everyone in the family, particularly Granny. Here she is with Tate, who she just got to meet for the first time this weekend (he lives and works in D.C.). She's wearing an adorable sweater that Stacey (incredibly kindly) knitted for her for Christmas.

She got to sit and cuddle with Gigi during present opening time.

And of course she got lots of love and cuddles from Granny and Ziggy.
Isn't this just precious??

We took a few pictures at the Herren House on Sunday morning before everyone left. Unfortunately Stacey and JM weren't able to be there because they had to take two of their sheep to church that morning (not nearly as strange as it sounds... promise.)
Here is the family... four generations!

Before leaving town, we went by and visited John Henry's grave. Trying to explain that to Wyatt was tough, especially when he got super excited when I mentioned Aunt Stacey having a baby. I don't think he really understood, but that's okay. He was mostly concerned about how much I was crying!

After that, we went back by John Michael and Stacey's to see the animals, since it has been raining when we got there Friday and was too muddy to go in the pasture.

He investigated the shed...

Helped Daddy hold a chicken...

Petted McGregor the sheep...

Checked the coop for eggs...
(Don't worry JM & Stacey, we didn't touch it and left it there!!)
And visited with Secret the llama!

Thanks for a great time, John Michael and Stacey! Thanks for opening up your home to us, putting up with any shenanigans we may have created, and for loving us back!!