STILL HAVING FUN

Bryan and Paige were the only ones that knew how to ice skate, so it was slow moving around the rink
Do you see the fear in my eyes since I'm not holding on to the side?

She could stand on her own and even skate a little bit on her own (YAY CC!!!!)

Saturday we all headed to go ice skating. When ice-skating, I am the girl that will not let go of the side. I warned Bryan ahead of time that he was fully in charge of CC because once I fall I would not be able to get up. But I really surprised myself...I actually let go of the wall a few times. We went around only a few times with CC. She cried entire time, but we didn't let her give up. I think she ended up liking it towards the end.

Jesus' Bday

This is how we started Christmas morning. CC had THE WORST NIGHT SLEEP of her entire 3.5 years. It was horrible- absolutely hysterically crying throughout the night. At this point, we were sure what was wrong with her.
This is what was waiting for her outside the door...SANTA came to see her but CC didn't care.

He came to see everyone.....we must have been very good this year.

Carter and Daddy helping Emory open her presents.

I was trying EVERYTHING to get CC to be excited about Christmas. She wanted nothing to do with opening presents. I couldn't believe it. She didn't care about the pink wig I thought she would LOVE or all 7 princess Barbies.....

Then it happened...............she threw up everywhere, right in the middle of all the gifts. UGH!!!!!!!!

She threw up about 5 more times after we made it to the bathroom, then instantly felt better. I thought for sure Ms. Drama would be bawling crying upset, but NOPE...I didn't even have time to let go of her hair before she was saying she wanted to play. The first thing she wanted to do was put on her press on princess nails.

I'm not sure what was wrong with her, but she was completely fine after that.

Grandaddy was the best and played with everyone and their new toys....including CC's new Barbies!!

The kiddos and the stockings. Robert's (my BIL) mom made all the children's stockings....

finally got to be excited about looking in her stocking.

The was an awesome present and a hit with everyone. Gaines got a life size pony that actually moves....GREAT GIFT!


MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

Christmas Eve

Emory and Carter loved each other. It was so cute to see him play with her.
Taking a trip on Santa's sleigh at lunch

WATCH OUT!

Oh Goodness!!! Bryan took a quick picture without CC knowing. Look at how she is sitting:):)

We made reindeer food!

how cute is he!!!

decorating cookies for Santa

could hardly wait for the cookies to finish baking.

the cutest cousins around. they had the best time playing together

Every Christmas Eve, my dad and I would go outside to look for Rudolph's nose. My dad would pick me up (even when I was to big to pick up!!)and we would search the sky for Santa. Every year, I would see Rudolph's nose and have to run inside to go to sleep before Santa came to my house (very smart way to see me to go to bed!!!). Bryan has started the tradition with CC and what do ya know.....she saw his nose too!!!!

Granddaddy (Bryan's dad) always read the book The Night Before Christmas on Christmas Eve. So the kids snuggled up with Granddaddy to hear it this Christmas.

Emory was asleep during the first reading, but woke up for a little while. So Grandaddy read (okay...more for a picture) it to her!!!

Our Santa cookies, OJ, and a letter from Santa.

This year we spent Christmas in Tennessee with Bryan's family. It was such a fun time with all the kids together. We had the best time.

Christmas Eve was a busy day. The guys took the kids bowling, so Santa could get everything wrapped and ready. We made cookies, reindeer food, read books, and played for hours. Many memories were made and I can't wait for many more with family. It's so much more fun with kids!!! But whew....it's exhausting making sure Santa had everything set up and ready for the morning.

Not my brightest idea

For some reason I thought it would be a wonderful idea to take the girls to ride the reindeer on the carousel at the Galleria.....not the smartest thing to do 3 days before Christmas! Sweet Daddy met us there for the ride and lunch....which took about 15 minutes just to find a table. (Please excuse the way I look....no shower, sweaty from working out, and no make up are not a good combo for me!!)

Have you been busy too?

showing us the pledge
Saying the blessing before the pizza party.

Happy Birthday Jesus!

I have the same picture of CC when she was this age (minus the tongue sticking out!!!)

Bryan thought it was hilarious to put Emory in CC's play stroller. Emory loved it!

We went to see Princess and the Frog with Lilly. It was such a cute movie!

Look at baby Kate's little outfit....adorable

Emory loves Mr. Bryan

cutest little one! Her daddy is in the picture above....can you tell- I think they look just alike.

All the kids getting ready to open their gifts at our Christmas supper club. These kiddos stayed up until midnight playing nonstop. I thought for sure CC would sleep in. NOPE. She woke up at 7:00, just like every other morning.

It's been a fun, nonstop week. We've been getting ready for Christmas (finally finished shopping...I think!) and celebrating. I love Christmas time!

where are you?

This is Bryan duck hunting......isn't he cute!

***my dad just brought to my attention that someone is shooting a "bird" in the first picture.....I guess that's the only bird they "shot" while they were there b/c they didn't see many ducks at all"....hehehehe*****

Mama & Me

Today at our Mama & Me small group the kiddos painted salt-dough ornaments. It was the cutest idea- thanks Kelley! I wasn't daring enough to let Emory attempt one, so we just had a photo shoot with her and her little friends, Georgia and Haley. It's hard to get a picture with little ones (especially one that can actually move!). But they sure are cute aren't they!!!!!

Cold night in Bethlehem

Whew it was COLD!

Can you see Emory...she's under there somewhere!

Being turned away from the Inn.

warming up with cookies and hot chocolate....which turned out not to be a good idea- burning mouths and spilling on our pants.

What are they talking about???


Wednesday night, we went to see the live Nativity. Even though it was the coldest night EVER, it was neat experience and great for the girls to see. And Christian and Sophia love to spend time together, even in 30 degree weather.