The 22-Year Friendship

Ch. 35: Winter Wonderland

After the successful TV Special, Elvis was finishing shooting his latest movie, and I did a quick photoshoot. William and Joshua had a whole month of school off, so the children and I traveled to see their father play football. The boys loved seeing their father tackle other players, and they would always become very excited and show their spirit and support. Rita and Samantha loved buying popcorn, but they didn't mind much of the game.

Priscilla called me to invite my family to a big gathering during Christmas and New Year's at Graceland.

"Hello Lilly, it's Priscilla!"

"Hi Cilla, how are you doing? How's everyone?"

"Everyone is doing fine. Lisa is growing so fast! You were right when you said children grow up too fast. She's beginning to look a lot like Elvis now. I'm doing fine, and you know how Elvis is."

"Of course. Elvis is busy as always, and Parker is signing him up for things he doesn't want to do."

"It's definitely a frustrating situation for Elvis and our family. But what can we do? Anyways, we wanted to invite you and your family to celebrate Christmas and New Year's in Memphis. Lisa is going to experience her first christmas at Graceland, and Elvis wants it to be special. We also wanted to celebrate it with a bunch of children as well. New Year's is going be celebrated at the Thunderbird Lounge."

"We'd love to! James and I will have to talk. I know the children and I will love to come to Memphis where it's a bit cooler and a chance of snow."

"It's going to snow most likely. Also, we need to talk."

"We'll have our girl talks as usual. I'll call you back as soon as possible."

I hung up the phone, and decided thinking about spending Christmas at Memphis. I would have to go shopping for warm coats, hats, and sweaters for everyone. Then, I would have to buy presents for Elvis, Priscilla, Lisa, and the family members. Rita saw me staring into blankness, and asked me what was wrong.

Rita: "Mama, what is wrong? Did Daddy call?

Me: "Nothing is wrong, dear. Daddy hasn't called yet. That was Priscilla, and she was inviting us to go to Memphis for Christmas!"

Rita: "Memphis! I love Memphis, mama. I wanna go see baby Lisa and see Elvis play the piano. Will Santa be at E's house?"

Me: "Santa may deliver presents to Lisa. But, Mommy has to talk to Daddy."

I called James to see if we would be able to go to Memphis.

James: "Lilly, we always go to Memphis during Christmastime. I would assume that we would be celebrating Christmas there. Besides, we need to visit my brother, his wife, and their newborn baby boy."

Me: "I almost forgot about that! Who's going to watch Ruby and Rose when we're gone?"

James: "Mom called and she said that Michael, Nat, and Susan wanted to see the dogs soon. It would be perfect if they watched them for a month."

Me: "I'll talk to my mother. She's visiting the children and I this afternoon, and she's bringing Susan."

James: "Alright baby, I'll see you in a week. Love you."

Me: "Love you too."

My mother came over to have lunch and to visit the children, and it had been a while since I last seen her. She was eager to learn what I have been up to the last months.

Mother: "Lilly, I've been seeing you all over the place. From magazines, television advertisements, movies, and Elvis' TV special. Robert and I enjoyed watching it."

Me: "I've been busy, Mother... I know. I'm glad that you enjoyed his TV special."

Mother: "Is it true that you choreographed every dance scene?"

Me: "Yes, it's true."

Mother: "Wonderful. Your dance teachers have been contacting me, and they wanted to commend you on your choreography skills. By the way, where are you and James spending Christmas this year?"

Me: "Memphis. Elvis and Priscilla invited us to celebrate Christmas at Graceland. We also planned to visit Aunt Audrey and James' brother and his newborn baby."

Mother: "Joy! Tell everyone Robert and I send our greetings."

James, the children, and I left for Memphis on December 18th. Every football team had Christmas and New Year's off, so it was pleasant having James home. The plane ride was tiring! William and Joshua behaved, while Rita and the twins were either squirming or asking questions.

As soon as we got off the plane, the twins got to experience the cold weather in Memphis. James and I wrapped them up in their warm blankets, while William, Joshua, and Rita stayed close behind. Aunt Audrey picked us up from the airport, and drove us to her house. She was amazed how fast the children grown! It was the first time she met Shawn and Samantha.

On December 23rd, James, Samantha, and I drove to Graceland to have lunch with Elvis, Priscilla, and LIsa. I loved seeing Graceland in the Wintertime because it was like a castle. The scenery was breathtaking, and Elvis and Priscilla decorated the inside and outside of Graceland beautifully.

As we entered the gates, Samantha's eyes were glued on the mansion. She never saw a mansion with collumns, so it intrigued her very much. We were greeted by Elvis, who immediately helped us carry presents into the house.

As soon as Samantha was inside, she began exploring with her eyes! Everyone watched her walk into a room and stare at certain objects, but she wouldn't touch. Even though Elvis and Priscilla encouraged her to play with some of Lisa's toys, she wouldn't!

After lunch, everyone dispersed into their seperate groups. Elvis and James were sitting at the dining table talking about football, while Priscilla and I chatted while watching our daughters.

Priscilla: "How do you like the decorations?"

Me: "They're lovely, Cilla. James and I always love the decor in this house."

Priscilla: "Look at the Christmas tree. I wanted Elvis and the guys to but the tinsel gently on the tree so it would resemble snow, but they decided to wrap and throw them like snowballs."

Me: "It still looks beautiful! Say, is Elvis finding someone to dress up like Santa for Lisa's first Christmas?"

Priscilla: "Actually, Vernon is dressing up like Santa for Lisa Marie this year. If it weren't for Lisa, he would have never dressed up like Santa! It's sweet though. He's still nervous when he holds her, but since Lisa has gotten bigger, his fear has slightly disappeared."

Me: "That's great for Vernon! I know my children will be excited to see Santa."

It was finally Christmas. Christmas was so fun at Graceland. The children were delighted to see Graceland decorated and Santa. They all forgot about presents! When Lisa came and saw "Santa", it was a cute sight! Vernon was smiling, and Lisa stared at him. Elvis loved showing off his daughter. Video was taken during this time, and it caught everything from Lisa on "Santa's" lap, to Lisa observing a doll she got for Christmas.

Everyone was in a Winter Wonderland in Memphis. Happiness filled all rooms of the house, and it was just an overall good feeling.