Celebrat(ion)ing Christmas

I am so glad we were able to explore some of Florida's offerings and do several fun things this year at Christmas. We met some friends in Celebration, Florida for "Now Snowing" on December 21. We weren't sure what all we were in for, but we had a fun time! We had pictures made in front of the Christmas tree first.



When we met up with David, Michelle, Ryan and Alana it was almost time for the 6:00 snow fall! Ella Grace jumped right in and had so much fun in the (suds) snow. Major jumped in his Daddy's arms and wanted to observe for a bit before he made a decision to stay or go.
Yes, my daughter really has pants on. I told her not to get too messy! I'm glad she tried to obey!

And then, we went to story time at a Sanrio store (Hello Kitty!). We listened to a couple of books (one Hello Kitty, and Twas the Night Before Christmas). Oh, and the boys were sitting on the front row! ha!
And Daddy, looking all studly in front of the Hello Kitty poster. What a man!
Major was in line to have his picture made with Hello Kitty. However, his Daddy convinced him that was not really what he wanted to do! Poor guy. His momma would have let him...

On our way out I noticed all the snow was already cleared! Crazy!

Our annual visit to the 'Pole

As in years past, this is typically a great adventure. Being in a new town, well a new state, we went to Mall at Millenia, a huge upscale mall in Orlando. Grandmother made their fabulous outfits, long-sleeve as usual. They were just dolls in their outfits. Being Orlando, though, Jeremy wore shorts, t-shirts & flip-flops, I had on jeans, flip-flops & and a top - our poor babes, sporting their pants and long-sleeve shirts. We may have to re-evaluate next year!

There was a long line. My children endured, were pretty good and we even had a fun time in line! Enjoy these pictures from our 2011 Santa visit.











And if you want to reminisce our past visits and adventures, go here, here or here!

Christmas everywhere!

Major's pre-school held a Christmas program earlier this month. He did a great job and I was so proud of him. As soon as he walked in the sanctuary and he saw me, he was beaming! Such a cutie!


His sweet girlfriend Alana stood behind him (blonde hair).



He sang his little heart out, did some dance moves and made this Momma super proud!

Ring the bells!

The Sunday after we got back from our Thanksgiving trip the kids' choirs performed at church.



They sang songs separately (4 year olds and kindergarten) and then the two choirs together.


It was precious!


We (me!) were even able to arrange for them to stand beside each other for two strategic reasons...1) so Major would not cry this year and come off the stage and 2) so we could more conveniently take pictures!


Shout out to my friend Amanda for videoing for me! I help with Ella Grace's choir so I was a little pre-occupied.


Afterwards, there was a craft and cookie decorating in the CLC. The kids had a great time!

Thanksgiving - Part II

On Saturday (12/26), we left my parents' to go to Jeremy's parents' house and celebrate Thanksgiving with the Jordans. The kids (of all ages) had a great time playing. Yes, it was Saturday and, yes, it was gameday. And what do the Jordans wear on gameday Saturdays in the fall? Yes, that would be correct if you said Alabama gear!

See, it doesn't matter how old you are you can play ball with the kids!

And you can show-off, too!

Uncle David was having some target practice with Austin, but Ella Grace & Major got in on the fun also!
Jeremy, Uncle Chris (aka Uncle Bubblegum) and Uncle David
These kids were captivated, and upon a closer look there was a HUGE bug. YUCK!
Jeremy with his family
Uncle Chris and Hunter
Our crew
David, Laura, Austin & Caroline
the kids with Great-Grandmother

the kids with Granddaddy and Grandmother
and the big boys with Grandmother (or Great-Grandmother, I guess it depends on who's calling her!)

We had a great time, ate way too much and saw a heck-of-a football game! At the end of the day we went back to Mom & Dad's to pack up and sleep. We departed while it was dark & rainy, got some gas and a redbox movie and were on our way.

As we neared home, there was so much traffic. After much debate we detoured, which in itself added an hour to our time, but there was no guarantee the traffic would let up when we got on the turnpike. Going through a national forest a black bear ran across the road in front of us. At first I just thought it was a huge dog, but, no, black bear! Can a road trip get more exciting?!

And it was SO good to get home!