Santa Brunch

After church this morning, we went to a Santa Brunch at the Club. They had the most realistic Santa ever. He had real hair and a beard that was awesome!  And, he told the kids to clean their rooms and be better about sharing!  

 Carsyn had a death grip on Santa's beard...maybe she thought it was my hair!

 attempting to get a shot of the big guys!

 Here is the crew...Christmas 2012!

 My big boy - Griffin at 5 years old

 Avery, at 6 1/2 years old

 and the "cheese" face of a 2 1/2 year old!

Griffin's School Program

 The K4 and K5 classes at FBC had their Christmas program today. Thankfully, Griffin felt better and was able to go to school today. 

 Daddy and Carysn enjoyed the program too. 

 Griffin and his friends, waiting to begin.

 The K5 classes dress up and act out the Christmas story as the K4 classes sing...

Snowflake Showoff

 The kids had their annual Snowflake Showoff for their gymanastics classes on Tuesday. Unfortunately, Griffin had a stomach bug and couldn't participate!  His main concern though was that I made sure I got his medal for him!  Avery carried her class sign as they marched in to be introduced. 

 Listening to Coach Steven's directions

 look at that face - she's really working hard!

 and the tongue is out...

her entire class

Avery's Christmas Party

 I spent the morning with Avery at school for her Christmas Party. They did a 9 AM party and cooked breakfast. Thought it was a great idea. We served pancakes, fruit, and bacon. 

Avery's classmates each brought a stocking or a decorated bag to school last week. Then each child brought a stocking stuffer for everyone...

 We played "hot potato" with a singing Rudolph.

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 enjoying her breakfast

 class picture

 They covered sugar cones with frosting and candy to make Christmas trees.

Reindeer Antlers!

Christmas Party Playgroup

 We hosted a Christmas party this morning for our playgroup friends. We had a great turn out and everyone enjoyed themselves!  Avery was sick yesterday so I kept her home from school today...so she was super excited to be able to participate!!

 Our playgroup is mostly boys...but Lacie is the oldest girl in the group - and she's 3.  Didn't matter to Avery though - the 2 of them hid in Avery's room and played doll houses for a long time!

Even Carsyn was entertained by friends!

 The boys took over the playroom!

We are thankful to have great friends to play with !!

Lights of the South

 We have had a great family weekend. Brent came home early from work on Friday so he cooked dinner. Then we watched a Rudolph/Frosty Christmas movie with the kids. ( Graham just harassed everyone else as they tried to watch it.) On Saturday, Griffin had his first basketball game so we went to that. Brent spent the afternoon making the kids a Christmas present - a big 6' x 6' sandbox. They will love it!  And then, Saturday night we headed out to dinner and then on to see the Lights of the South.  

 headed off on a hayride through the light display

 mommy and carsyn (she enjoyed some of the lights but we were out way past her bed time!)

 Griffin playing on the train

 sitting in Cinderella's carriage

We had stuff to make s'mores in the fire pits at the lights place...but we had 3 melting down children so we settled for eating marshmallows in the car on our drive home!

SBS Cookie Swap and Scarf Exchange

Since moving to Augusta, I have met basically all of my girlfriends through Side By Side. This is a branch of CMDA (Christian Medical and Dental Association) - the organization through which I met Brent! Side By Side is a group of spouses of medical/dental students, residents, and faculty. We meet weekly for a Bible study; we have weekly play dates; and we do girls night out every now and then. We had our first annual Cookie Swap and Scarf Exchange this week. It was a fun night - full of food, laughter, and fellowship.   I came home with a container of delicious cookies and a new scarf! 

 Kristine, Brooke, Ashley, Merritt

 One of my good friends Emily

 the whole crowd

The Beach

 We walked down to the beach on Saturday afternoon so that the kids could play in the sand and collect seashells....we stayed for about 30 minutes and by the time we left, Avery and Griffin were soaking wet - including their hair!!  But they all enjoyed it and tolerated the cold wetness without complaining!!

 7 months old already!

the crew