snow and ice

Addison was so excited about our TN trip this year. She couldn't stop talking about her cousins and she wanted to see snow. The first one was easy. They love her and can't wait to spend time with her. The snow wasn't happening while we were there, but we like to make dreams come true. We took a ride up to the ski resort in Gatlinburg so Addison could see snow. She didn't get to make a snow angel, but Michael did help her make a snowball.

We (meaning me) decided to take Addison ice skating. I'm no pro at ice skating so I was really nervous about skating and holding her up, but to our surprise she did really well. The whole time we were out there she kept saying, "whoa, whoa, whhhheeee". My body ached the next day, but it was worth it. She loved it!

They also had a carousel. This may be their new favorite thing to do.

I love seeing the smiles on their faces. We really had such a good time that day.

*I'm not sure what's up with all of Addison's cheesy smiles, but I'll take it. Cheesy smile is better than no smile. Trust me. There are more to come.

until next year

Zarkle hitched a ride back to the North Pole with Santa. Or maybe he's hiding in my dresser drawer until he goes back in the attic.

Using him as leverage for the past month sure was nice. He will be missed.

from our house to yours

Merry Christmas!

santa #2

Each year Santa visits the girl's school on a fire truck. The kids love it. Addison waited so patiently. When he got there she was so excited.

I thought Morgan would handle Santa a little better this time. I was completely wrong. She completely freaked out. But she looks so cute doing it.

Addison was adorable. She will sit on Santa's lap, but she gets so shy. She rubs her face and her eye the whole time. She was the first one up from her class and was less than thrilled. After watching everyone go she wanted to try again. Second time around was a little better. A small hug and a little smile.

I just love all the Santa pictures. They make me smile.

cousins

I hope my brother knows that I love him. He's been a great uncle to my girls and now he's a great father. I'm really very proud of him.

Morgan loves baby M and her uncle. This picture may not convey it, but all three of them were quite content just sitting there and chillin'.

santa

Santa made a stop at Silver Springs the other night. Baby M looked adorable meeting him for the first time. Addison is making progress. She will sit on his lap, but is still too shy to really talk to him.

Like any good parent, I forced Morgan to sit on Santa's lap. She didn't do as bad as I thought she would. At one point she even looked up at him and didn't scream. No luck at getting a picture where both of them are looking at me.

Success on my part. Overall though, I don't think either one of them were thrilled.

We'll see if we can try again.

silver springs

We took a quick trip home to my mom's this past weekend. I had a great lunch with some girlfriends and then Saturday night a bunch of us headed to Silver Springs to see the lights. It wasn't as cold as it has been and the girls really enjoyed the lights. Addison was so excited about the little ride they have there. It takes you up above the trees so you can see everything. It made my stomach turn a little, but she was in awe. Soon after that we all rode the carousel.

Feeding the giraffe was a highlight. Sadly, I didn't get my camera out fast enough. But my friend Allison got this one of my brother feeding it a graham cracker...from his mouth! Have you seen their tongues? This could have been ugly.

In total we had a group of 21. The company was great and the kids really seemed to enjoy it.

The best part of the night was the funnel cake fries. Ask Morgan. I bet she would tell you the same thing since she ate about 10 of them. Can't wait to do it again next year.

it's been awhile

My grandmother passed away January 31, 2009. That was the last time I was at the cemetery. I've been in the area and driven near the cemetery many times since then, but for some reason haven't gone in. It hasn't been a conscious decision. I think a part of me didn't want to see them both together. I think a part of me didn't want to face it. This weekend I went to visit my grandparents. I was sad and I cried, but it felt good. I know they are together again. No pain, no suffering.

They finally got to see their baby girl that they lost so long ago. When Grandma was sick she use to talk to Gwen Nora. I know she missed her. Just like I miss them.

video from santa

My mom sent me the link to this website and I love it. What's even better is that Addison loved it. Hopefully she'll stop asking me if he's real.

http://www.portablenorthpole.tv/watch/UvClHeSgme6pAFNvlvakQg

One for Morgan too.

http://www.portablenorthpole.tv/watch/9-eBvKXxeX_BQoe5m_gCLQ

I highly suggest it if you have young children.

technology

Michael and I recently got smart phones. We've been talking about it for over a year and finally pulled the trigger. It's addicting. More so for Michael than for me. Since I've been lacking in the photo department lately I will overload you with pictures recently taken with my phone.

After church on Sunday's we drive by Starbucks. I'm addicted to it like Michael is to his phone so we stopped to get my fix. Addison thinks she's such a big girl when she gets milk from Starbucks. Morgan is just along for the ride.

The girls enjoying a snack in the playroom. The table is no good unless the umbrella is up. Veteran's Day trip to Chick-fil-a. Told you she now loves the cow.

My birthday celebration. Cupcakes courtesy of a friend at work.

Thanksgiving feast at school.

Me v. Addison last night in Wii bowling. Guess who won?

The house decorated for Christmas. This took 4 days. The shopping and wrapping is taking a lot longer. One of the reasons for my lack of pictures and posts.

A little look into our everyday lives on the go.