Celebrating the Holidays

Auntie Anne came to visit this month so we were able to celebrate the holidays a little early.  The kids had so much fun playing together at the house, opening some gifts, having their annual cookie bake and a thanksgiving all in a few short days.  Emma and Parker are so cute and growing up too fast.  We are glad they got to visit us!  Here are a few pictures of the kids opening gifts one evening. 

Visiting Santa at Blacklion 2012

Today was so much fun....we headed to Blacklion to see Santa for the first time this holiday season.  Mason worked very hard writing his letter asking Santa for the Vampire Castle and Ninjago Legos and Carissa asked for Lipgloss:)  Ryder was thrilled witht he singing bears and could have watched them all day with pure excitement....He sat nicely on Santa's lap and just kinda starred at him.  Jack was a pro and fit right into this rather large growing family picture with Santa.  Unlike Ryder last year, Jack was wide awake in Santa's Arms.  Mason and Cari enjoyed some yummy hot chocolate and cookies at Mrs. Claus's Gingerbread house and we got to run into some of our friends at the North Pole too!!!  When we got home Carissa had to run to the computer and check the Santa Cam to see the live feed of Santa feeding the reindeer on the web.  Another year of Santa fun checked off our list....whew 4 kids oddly seemed easier than 3 last year....well except we lost Ryder for a brief moment...he grabbed his cookie from Mrs. Claus and took off back to the line for Santa....forgot this little guy is fast on his feet now!!! Looking forward to more holiday excitement to come!

Happy Turkey Day

This past weekend we had alot of fun with family...Auntie Anne's family came to visit from Flordia and the kids had so much fun playing, baking and enjoying lots of yummy food.  We are so thankful for our good health, family, friends and are blessed more each and every day.  Ryder loved turkey day, Cari and Emma were grossed out by the turkey (prior to cooking), and Mason couldn't wait until dessert time...although I think he ate the best of all the kids.  We enjoyed having our friends, The Watts over, as they too have out of town family...thank Marissa for helping cook our delicious meal and Anne for all the great appetizers!!!  Jackson was the cutest little guy in his Gobble Gobble shirt...Happy 1st Thanksgiving little guy!  So lucky to share this day and so many things to be thankful for this year!!! 

Carolina Renissance Festival