Christmas in Jasper

We were able to spend a full week down at my family's cabin in Jasper County GA for Christmas. It is only every third year when all of my siblings converge in one place for Christmas - and this was our year. We had 16 adults and 8 children, ranging from 5 years to 8 weeks! We had a busy week of activities and several surprises from Nina and Big Daddy. This post is just an overview of our highlights - I'll be posting more details in the days to come!

Nina and Big Daddy have their arms full! (need I mention that come april, 2 more babies will be added to this crew!)

We had our first Christmas pageant this year on Christmas Eve - the kids loved getting dressed up and taking part in acting out the story of Christ's birth.

Aunt Anna (with the assistance of many aunts and uncles) led the kids in several craft time activities throughout the week.

Nina and Big Daddy surprised us all by planning an old fashioned hay-ride and weenie roast.

We had a surprise guest stop by un-announced on Christmas Eve...

and what would a weekend in Jasper be without a little hunting? Congrats on your buck, honey!

Pre-Christmas

We have had a wonderful and busy Christmas this year. The kids have been very excited about every little thing so it has given a new excitement to the season. They loved the tree, getting out all the decorations, the idea of presents, seeing Santa, and all the family activities that we were able to do.

We spent Christmas down in Jasper with the McBrayers so we celebrated a little early in Durham. We didn't wanted to haul all the presents down with us so we opened presents from each other and from Gammy on the Sunday before Christmas. The kids get overwhelmed easily with new toys so we opened slowly over the course of a day...that way they got to enjoy and play as they went.

what more could a little princess want than a set of princess shoes??? its heaven!

here is another example that avery is all girl and griffy is 100% BOY!

thanks for the new "puter" gammy!

griffy and daddy putting together a hot-wheels race track

I have a million pictures and stories from our week in Jasper so many more posts and pictures will follow! Hope everyone else has enjoyed the season!

Avery's First Dance Performance

Avery had a little "holiday show" during her dance class today. Her class (only 5 girls) performed 2 songs in front of their parents. They did their "warm up song" and then Frosty the Snowman. Avery had an absolute blast and smiled the entire time. I was impressed that she actually knew the motions and steps and did them - when she wasn't distracted by something else! She was quite the performer and loved every minute of it. Brent was able to come for the performance so she was thrilled.

shaking her stuff

following miss kaylee's lead

avery and katelyn during Frosty

katelyn, avery, and carter

daddy brought her flowers - who knew that he knew to do that!!!

Avery's School Party

Avery's preschool class had their Christmas party today. The parents and siblings were invited for the last hour of class. The kids had 3 Christmas songs that they had learned (Rudolph, We Wish you a Merry Christmas, and Jingle Bells) and performed for the parents. It was quite entertaining. Griffin went up and stood with the class and joined right in with the singing!

Avery sitting in Ms Gayle's lap while Ms Leah read a book to everyone

The "Reindeer Pokey" (Christmas version of the Hokey Pokey)

enjoying lots of goodies with her good friend Katelyn

They even had a table for the little brothers! (Bryce, Griffin, and Luke)

Breakfast with Santa

The hospital sponsored a fund raiser this weekend - Breakfast with Santa - at a nice, local restaurant. They had a buffet style breakfast, toys to play with, a Christmas ornament making station, and face painting and tattoos. The kids both did great with Santa - they sat in his lap with no tears and talked to him.

avery and the elf making an ornament

playing with friends

My Latest Masterpieces

Most of you know that I like to be crafty and creative and enjoy sewing....but I rarely find the time or money to do any of the above! But I have somehow managed to find enough time to make the Avery and Griffin 2 outfits for this winter. I figured that this was the last chance I was going to get to dress them alike so I had better take advantage of it. Plus, no more longalls or monograms for Griffy after this - onto more manly clothes!

These are for when we go sit in Santa's lap on Saturday...

Choo Choo

Sunday evening we went to the Museum of Life and Science and rode the train to the North Pole to see Santa. It was a cold night (although not as cold as last year) but lots of fun. We went with several other families - the Likes, Runkles, and Fortners. The kids loved the train (as always) and both squealed with excitement when it started. And afterwards, Griffin had his first cup of hot chocolate - which he loved!

family photo-opwaiting for the "all aboard!" announcement

mommy and sissy

Thankfully, both children liked Santa this year. (Last year, avery would only peek through her fingers at him.) Griffin was more excited about getting a candy cane that talking with Santa but at least he smiled and waved and said hi! And Avery actually talked and asked Santa for princess baby dolls.

Making Christmas cards

TMSA Christmas Party

Last night we went to a Christmas party for the medical alliance that I am a part of. It was at a local neighborhood clubhouse and had on-site childcare. Brent enjoyed having some testosterone around while the guys watched the Alabama/Florida game and I enjoyed time to talk with friends. The kids enjoyed time playing with friends and some chocolate cake!

me and my hubby

Brent and Creighton
Christa, Merritt, Kim, and Valerie

Tis the Season...

We finally had the chance last night to go get our Christmas tree. The kids were really excited about the whole idea and Avery asked lots of questions. We got the tree in the house and set it up while the kids "helped" and then Brent put the lights on after the kids went to bed. We told the kiddos that we could decorate it in the morning.

I woke up at about 6:45 when I heard Avery's door open. Now, she normally wakes up, goes to the bathroom and then comes to get me...however, this morning, I heard her get up, go to the bathroom, and then walk down the stairs. I figured she would get down there and realize that it was pitch dark and that no one else was awake, and then she'd return to get me...but she never came back up the stairs. I gave her about 10 minutes before I came to check on her. When I reached the bottom of the stairs she proudly announced that the plug (tree lights) had fallen out and that she had plugged it back in!! She was looking on in awe. And then she instantly asked to decorate!

When Griffin came downstairs, he stood in front of the lighted tree, exclaiming "WOW. WOW Daddy. WOW." Over and over again! It was priceless.

I got some blueberry coffee cake in the oven and then we started to decorate the tree. I picked out all of the non-breakable ornaments and put them out on the floor for them to hang on the tree. Avery and Griffin loved it...but they hung them all in one small area! (note the picture below)

Here is the final product!

Griffy's Big Day

Today was a big day for our little dude - he started "school"! He had been on a waiting list for PMO at the church where Avery goes to preschool...and he finally got in! He is just going one morning a week, from 9-12. He's been saying "my own class" for a few days now and was really excited when we got there this morning. We washed his hands and then he took off to tell his teacher "wash hands"! Very proud of himself! He was off and playing and didn't look twice when I left. Isn't he a handsome dude?!