New Year's Eve

9:40

9:47

9:52

10:01

11:40

We went over to Mimi's for supper on NYE. Seth was already there because he spent the night before. He was such a big boy and had so much fun. This was only the 3rd night I have spent away from him since he was born and I was so ready to see him! The boys (big and little) had fun doing poppers, sparklers and watching/setting off fireworks. We came home about 10:30 and all curled up on the couch. We were going to let Seth stay up and watch the ball drop, but he didn't quite make it!

We are so busy that.....

this is becoming a very common sight!

A Nice Visit

Carlee brought Austin & Lacey over for a visit. We used to see them everyday so it's nice to get to see them whenever they are in town. We had wings and pizza and gave them their Christmas gifts. We had so much fun letting them pick out toys from the ebay room. Austin got a bunch of legos and Lacey picked out some Polly Pockets and dress up clothes.

Family Fun

Nate & Will (along with Chris & Carol) have been visiting and Seth is in his glory! Seth loves his cousins so much and absolutely glows when they are around!

Christmas with PPR

The day after Christmas we got to see Papa R. and he spoiled us with goodies. He loved his book, photo mug and family calendar. We have been super busy but are having a great time.

Christmas at Mimi's

We headed back home after breakfast Christmas morning and went straight to Mimi's. Stacy and Mimi made a delicious Christmas dinner and we had a great time visiting with everyone.

Trey looked adorable in his Clemson hat. (Please forgive me Cocky. I'll never buy Clemson propaganda again!)

The sky looked beautiful on the way home.

Seth was exchauted and fell asleep on the way home. The last thing he said was, "Today was a really fun day."

Here comes Santa Claus....

After our get together on Christmas Eve, it was time for Seth to go to bed. We forgot The Night Before Christmas at home and couldn't find Mom & Dad's copy so I just recited what I could remember. I was surprised how much I actually knew. As Seth was going to sleep, we heard Santa's "jingle bells" outside the window. Seth covered his ears and buried his head against me. I was asking him if he was ok and he was whispering so quietly I couldn't hear what he was saying. I finally figured out that he was saying, "I don't want Santa to see me (awake.)" He was out like a light within minutes. Later on, Seth would say that hearing those bells was his favorite part of Christmas. Mark stayed up putting Seth's train table together for three hours so that Santa could be on his way. He did a great job and the table definitely had the "wow factor".

Seth slept until after eight and woke us up. He said that he thought Santa had come so I told him I'd check and see. Mom, Dad, Grandma and Aunt Sandy all wanted to see his reaction so I made sure that everyone was ready. Mark went out into the living room to get ready to video and then Seth and slowly emerged. I think Seth was afraid Santa was still there or something because he was hiding behind me and I had to coax him out. He was acting very shy until he saw the train table - then it was on!

Even Miles woke up to join in the fun.

Seth had a great time opening and giving gifts. He got lost of toys, games, books and clothes and was excited for each one.

But he really loved his train table. He later said that it was the biggest present he had ever seen.

Christmas With the Gang 2009

Christmas Eve morning we woke up and drove up to Charlotte. We couldn't wait to head over to the hospital to meet Baby Chase! He is so adorable and seemed very relaxed. That evening everyone (except Chase and Erika) got together for our traditional Christmas Eve hors d'oeuvres and a gift exchange. We forgot to leave Santa our traditional beer and shrimp.

We gave all three new babies a hand made (by me) Baby's First Christmas ornament, a frame, a toy and a handmade (not by me - actually from here) team hat. The photo below is of D&D realizing that Sophia's hat has Steelers on one side and the Browns on the other.

Seth, Molly, Mom and Domingo enjoyed a fierce battle of Hungry, Hungry Hippos. I think Mingo liked it more that the kids.

We had a great time and, as always, Mom & Dad made Christmas extra special.

Silly Photo Shoot

Glittery Hand Painted Ornaments

Seth and I have both been busy making ornaments for our favorite people. We have had so much fun, but I think we will be cleaning up glitter until next Christmas!

The Best Christmas Gift Ever!

Welcome to the family!
We are so happy about our Christmas gift! A new nephew!!
Chase Ryan
12:51 p.m.
8 lbs. 3 oz.
19.75"
Sweet
Snugly
Cute

A Visit With Santa

Stacy and I took Seth and Trey to see Santa! Last year I paid $10 for one small picture so I was thrilled to find about the Dutch Square Santa. It's BYOC - Bring Your Own Camera. and there was no line to speak of! Santa was very nice and let us snap away! He didn''t even mind Trey pulling on his beard. Seth was soooo excited to see him. He just had to bring him a gift so he picked out an ornament he had made along with a little ceramic car he painted a while back. Both boys sat on Santa's lap like they were old pals. I love the way Seth was glowing when he was talking to Santa. All he asked for was mittens!

Playmobil Nativity

Seth and Mark had a great time putting together out new Playmobil Nativity. I think Mark had more fun than Seth. Our whole family is smitten with these fun toys and I can't wait until Seth gets his Playmobil Circus sets for Christmas.