Portraits for GranMacon

This year for Christmas we decided to get my mom a portrait of all the grandkids for Christmas. I honestly didn't think the picture place would be busy because it was after Christmas and so we didn't make an appointment. We got all the kids ready and headed to get our pictures taken. When we arrived they told us their was a two hour wait at this outdoor mall. Two hours really...with 8 little ones. We had no clue how everyone would do but we headed to the toy store, Claires, Build a Bear and then for a treat at DQ. We finally made it to our two hour mark and a couple hairs might be out of place but for the most part we pulled off the portrait and GranMacon was more then pleasantly surprised. Next year we will be making a reservation!

Christmas at GranMacon's

Preston worked the day after Christmas and then we headed to Macon to celebrate Christmas with my family. My mom has still been under the weather and so my sister, Laura volunteered to host our Christmas Celebration. Aunt Lala went way overboard and had everything prepared exceptionally. She turned her garage into a Christmas banquet area and made it complete with a kids table full of surprises for all the little ones. The cousins had a blast ripping into the presents together. This year the cousins ranged in age from 6 months to 15 years old. While in Macon we surprised my mom with having a "grand kids picture" made. Preston and I enjoyed some shopping and a date night with my sister and her husband. The twins were so excited that we were able to continue celebrating Christmas in Macon and that the fun had not ended at home.

Reindeer on the roof

Preston and I awoke to Gracie and Bailey in our room at 7 am saying "We heard the reindeer on the roof, we heard the reindeer!" We were glad it was still dark because they were not able to see all their surprises as we wanted to capture their initial reactions on the video camera. Within a couple minutes Grammy, Daddy Bob, Aunt Kara and Uncle Bryan all arrived and the twins came running out to see what Santa had left. Santa had brought big kid bicycles, a hockey set, baby doll accessories and stockings filled with goodies. Santa had thought it would take the twins a little while to "grow into" their big kid bikes but Gracie hopped right on and started cycling around the house. Part of the fun of Christmas morning is that you get to ride your bike through the house. After opening all surprises we enjoyed a yummy Christmas morning breakfast complete with mimosas. After Preston's family had left we put the twins down for a nap so they could enjoy Christmas evening at their Aunt Mary's house. While they were sleeping I decided to put away some of the toys that were all over the floor. Bailey awoke and came downstairs and looked like he was going to cry. Preston asked our little buddy what was wrong and he said "the Grinch stole all of our toys." Preston smiled and looked at me and said "good job momma Grinch!" Needless to say I felt kind of bad but he was happy once I showed him that they were all put away in their playroom. That night we enjoyed Christmas dinner with my sister Mary Ellen and her husbands side of the family. Our Christmas day was filled with excitement, love, fun, memories and thankfulness that our Savior was born on this very special day.

 

Twas the night before Christmas

 This year we celebrated Christmas Eve by first inviting Preston's family to attend our Christmas Eve Church Service. It was great to have his family attend since they had not yet been to our new church. The service was on the biblical connection of St.Nick "Santa Clause" to the Christmas Holiday. It was very unique and something we all enjoyed. Next we went to his parents home for our Christmas celebration and Christmas Eve dinner. The twins had been asking every day since we put up the tree if they could open a present so their excitement was contagious. It was so fun to see them pass out the presents and tear into them when it was their turn. Their cousin Mary Elizabeth was old enough to enjoy the excitement this year. One of Gracie's favorite presents was a Barbie doll head that she can style complete with a toy hairdryer and accessories and Bailey loved his Pirate play set. We were blessed to have all of Preston's brothers and sisters with us this year who were sweet to help the twins open their presents. Grammy and DaddyBob always spoil the grand kids with lots of presents and love!

Elfie on the Shelf

This year we started a new tradition of our "Elfie on the Shelf." My sisters, Paula and Mary Ellen kept telling me how much their little ones enjoyed the Elf on the Shelf and so they talked me into allowing him to join our list of traditions. The twins opened their Elf on the Shelf shortly after we arrived home from our Thanksgiving trip. I read them the book and their job was to name their elf. They attempted to name him after some of their Aunt Kara's past boyfriends but we decided as a family that that was not a good idea. They finally agreed on "Chris" short for Christmas but usually they referred to him as "Elfie." I didn't believe that it would be as much fun but the twins really enjoyed looking for him each morning. Usually he was just in silly little places and he didn't create too much mischief as this momma doesn't have time for that! He did simple things like eating their snacks or getting into the toothpaste in the bathroom. The joy on their faces was priceless as they searched for him and laughed at his silliness. Elfie returned to the North Pole after Christmas but I have a feeling that he will be back next year.

 

 

 Gracie showing Elfie her "happy plate"

 

 Elfie fishing for goldfish!

 

Kara's Graduation Celebration

 

I have known Preston's little sister, Kara for more then 10 years and so honestly she is more like a little sister to me. We were so proud of her accomplishment of graduating from UGA with many academic honors. Kara plans to go to medical school in the Fall to become a pediatric occupational therapist. We hosted a party for her this past weekend and invited family and her friends. We had a great time celebrating Kara and visiting with family. We know that Kara is going to achieve great things in life and we are so excited about having her at home for a little bit!

 

 

Big Kid Status at Daddy's work Party

Ok... so first I have to brag that my husband works for the best company ever and no I am sure they do not read my blog. His boss loves to host the annual Christmas party and he goes out of his way each year to make sure the his employee's families have a wonderful time. Yes, the whole family is invited! The party is held in his personal home and they hire a whole staff just to take care of the kids while the adults are having fun upstairs. This year Gracie and Bailey were moved into the big kid room and they had a blast. They made huge ginger bread houses, decorated sugar cookies and watched Christmas movies. Each year the same Santa comes and brings presents for all the little ones. He also knows something special about each child that he is able to tell them. He told Gracie that he was very proud that she learned her front roll at gymnastics and he told Bailey how proud he was of the way that he helped his Daddy set up the reindeer in the front yard. Because of our practice round with Santa the day before the kids were not scared at all and they loved having their individual time with Santa. We are so blessed that Preston's work puts family first.

 

 

Our Visit with Santa

In preparation for Preston's work party we thought it would be a good idea to do a practice round with visiting Santa. Last year the twins were scared of Santa and they wanted nothing to do with getting pictures with him. I will be honest and say that I pulled out some mommy tricks for this visit with Santa as I really wanted some cute pictures and I also wanted them to be happy at Preston's work party. I stood behind the photographer and held up candy canes as a bribe for the twins to smile...it is awful isn't it, but sometimes a momma has got to do what a momma has to do!

 

Thanksgiving in Mississippi

Our trip to Mississippi was quite the experience as it was our 4th trip in less then a month. We went to Macon for an early Thanksgiving, then to Gatlinberg, I headed back to Macon to visit my mom who was in the hospital and then the next day we headed to Mississippi. As much as I hate packing and unpacking, I had honestly reached just about my limit but somehow we made it. We had not been to Mississippi to visit Preston's relatives for about 5 years so it was a great to get to see everyone. The kiddos did wonderful in the car for the six hour trip. We were a little nervous as it was one of our first long trips with fully potty trained toddlers. We decided to bring our little potty with us so I didn't have to put my sweet little Gracie on all the germy pottys along the way and it was the best decision ever! Little boys are so much easier as on road trips we like to chose the behind the tree option. We had enjoyed catching up with everyone and showing off our little ones as it was the first time that many of our relatives had met them. We especially loved playing with our cousins; James, Justin and Jackson who came all the way from Chicago. They were super sweet to take extra time to play and show the twins their love. The twins had a blast at Chuckee Cheese for their last night with their cousins. The long drive was worth reconnecting with family and reminded us that family is what we truly are Thankful for this Thanksgiving. We were also very thankful to return home and rest after a very busy month!

 

 

 

 

Our Weekend in Gatlinburg

Early in November we headed to Gatlinburg for a little vacation with Preston's family. His parents had an offer to trade their beach house for a week in return for a beautiful cabin for a week. The cabin with nestled in the middle of the mountains just outside the city of Gatlinburg. We stayed for a couple of chilly nights and we had a blast. The cabin was three stories and had lots of amenities that the kids loved including a movie theatre and game room. Preston enjoyed golfing with his dad and brother while his mom and I took the twins for a fun day in the town. Becky and I took the twins to a little petting zoo that was fabulous and also a miniature amusement park. The twins had a blast petting the animals and riding the rides. Preston and I also spent one day with the twins downtown where we walked around and experienced all the tourist hot spots like the alpine slide. It was really cold while we were walking around so we bought the twins some cute new hats in order to keep them warm. There is something so peaceful about just staring out over the beautiful mountainous landscape.