Merry Christmas

We hope everyone had a Merry Christmas! We sure did! I have been thinking and planning which pictures to post so you get a good picture of our wonderful celebrations. We traveled a bit, spent time with grandparents & cousins, played at home, have family come over and just plain enjoyed the season. Today as the children were playing with their nativity set, I was reminded of how simple that first Christmas was. Our Lord and Savior was born in a stable with smelly animals and laid in a manger. Then I looked around our home and saw all of the toys (new and old) and was so proud that they were choosing to play with their nativity. Not everyone understands how we are raising our children or why we celebrate the way we do but today I got affirmation that we are accomplishing our goal and hopefully pleasing God.

Swimming in December

We had a new, fun adventure this week. We visited a local indoor pool for some winter swimming fun! They had a blast! While there, we signed up for her birhtday party in January. He went right in but still kept his face out!!

She didn't miss a beat! So eagar to swim, swim!!

This was their favorite part... they described it to daddy and "just like the beach!"

Disney On Ice

On Saturday, we had were able to use daddy's company box and host SAFEChild program coordinators for the Disney on Ice show. It was awesome!!! He was glued the whole show. Especially when the Cars where on the ice.

Oh my was she tickled pink to see Cindrella. I picked this photo to share but I also have some adorable ones of her just staring with the cutest grin on her face... priceless!!!

What a fun night... who needs a trip to Florida?

Our Baby is THREE!!!

Today our baby boy turned 3! He was very proud to show anyone who asked his 3 fingers. I am sad because he really is a big boy but so thankful for the good boy he his. He knows Jesus, LOVES his family (especially mommy!) and obeys fairly well... what more could I ask for? I thought he might be confused because his party was last Saturday, we celebrated at preschool Thursday but he seemed to understand that today was December 14th! We had a special snack at church, lunch at home with grandma, attended a friends birthday party and had lots of blue Scooby Doo cake!!!! What a perfect day! We are proud of our little man!!!!

One Busy Week!

WOW! What a busy week we had!! I have barely had time to download my shots before taking 100's more!! Here is our week at a glimpse... I still can't get the photos to come here in order but you get the idea! On Friday, we gathered with some of my friends and their children to make gingerbread houses... his are policemen.

Friday morning, our preschool did a One Baby Jesus program that was fantastic! He was an angel... he really was! It was his first time on stage and I really didn't know how he would do but he seems to be a natural!

She was a cow. I wasn't able to get a close up dressed up but look carefully and you will see her in the middle. She is the highest cow.

And of course much fun was had at her classes' Happy Birthday Jesus party. It was all FUN but I think tomorrow will be a PJ day for sure!

Birthday Boy

From Thanksgiving to Valentine's Day 3 of the 4 members in our family celebrate birthdays.
Today the celebrating began with his 3rd birthday party (his birthday isn't for 8 days but the museum wasn't available next Saturday!). He and 12 of his friends had an awesome time at the NC Musuem of Natural Sciences. His request was to "touch animals" so we delivered... well mostly...he thought maybe an elephant would be there. He was happy his special day was here! Sister is in the background checking things out for him.

They were able to touch a rabbit, turtle, dove (pictured) and look at a huge bull frog.

They "dug" for backyard animals in rice.

He made a lizard.... good job man!

Birthday Boy Part 2

Look at the concentration here... good to the last drop!

Making his frog "face" was cool!

1, 2, 3....blow them out!

Big Sis helped at every step! We had a blast - Happy Birthday to my special boy!!

Oyster Roast

This was a turkey I made when I was in kindergarten... its hard to believe that tonight we are visiting the school we pray our little girl will attend!

Her "best dream" came true when Granny's doy took a nap in her lap. I can't tell you how many times she has tried to get this to happen! I guess all of the attention all day did him in for a good nap on her lap!!

They love playing on Granny and Granddaddy's big tree and the neighbors cat's visit was bonus!

OK, this is the last Thanksgiving post... I promise! We just have so much to be thankful for! On Saturday, we spent the day with the Jones family. My dad does a less traditional meal the day after Thanksgiving (two days after this year b/c of a Pirate football game!) - an oyster roast. This year he went all out with cooks and shuckers doing all of the work! Both sides of my family were well represented. 3 of my mom's 4 sisters came and my dad's brother and sister came. It was a bit strange to have everyone together when I didn't get put at the kiddie table!!!! It was also strange to hear my cousins admit their age... I always knew I was the youngest but wow they are all over 40!!! I still felt a bit yucky but got a few cute shots of my darlings!