Sunday, December 28, 2008

Terrific Times!

Christmas this year definitely did not disappoint! We had a fabulous family day on the 24th, sharing a lazy morning, nice lunch and perhaps the most wonderful Christmas Eve message I've heard in a long time. We just love Lowcountry Community Church (shout out)!

Amid the flurry of Santa's visit, we began Christmas morning with a little "Happy Birthday" diddy for the Baby Jesus, complete with a celebratory candle in a strawberry muffin. A sweet moment, abruptly thwarted by Gracen yelling, "I don't like Strawberry muffins!" It was well intentioned...

Present time was the most fun to date. Pavin did exactly what we'd hoped and plunged himself on both of his "big presents"...a stuffed dog chair and "George, George the Bouncing Horse" (aka George, George the Special Donkey). He was hilarious! Gracen opened each package with the same response, "Wow! It's just what I asked for!" That "sweet baby" tops the favorite present list, followed closely by the pink guitar, Cinderella outfit and princess bike from the Grandma Debbie and Pa. They happily joined in the fun Christmas night, along with Nannie and Melissa and Richard the following day. A good time was had by all and of course Gracen said some sad goodbyes last night...Pavin waved. :)

We did a horrible job with pictures this year! Not a single family picture...and poor Fred was absent completely, as he was behind the camera the whole time. We need a little PhotoShop action for memory keeping purposes!

The slide show below gives a little glimpse into the week and captures the kids in their regular state of nuttiness.


The new blog header and music reflects a fresh start in honor of a fresh new year. We have been more than blessed with countless great memories among friends and family in 2008 and look forward to more of the same in 2009! Love to you all!

Thursday, December 18, 2008

"We Wish You a Merry Christmas!"

Gracen's preschool held its annual Christmas Party this morning, complete with a visit from Santa himself and a little 2/3 yr. old performance.

Gracen happily dressed in her new fancy clothes from Grandma Melody and Grandpa Fred.

Our Yo Gabba Gabba collection increased by one Foofa...

and one Plex!



By far, the highlight of the day was the combined classes singing,
"We wish you a Merry Christmas!"
(Make sure to mute the playlist in the side column to get the full effect.) :)




Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Ready, Set, Open!

In the midst of a wonderful visit with Grandpa Fred and Grandma Melody, the kids experienced their first taste of opening Christmas presents in '08.

Gracen was thrilled to get not one but two of her beloved princess Barbies. She's now added Jasmine and Belle to her collection.

Pavin LOVED opening everything! I can't wait to see our little nut after Santa comes. If we can just stop him for attacking his sister's presents too.

Sitting on Santa's lap went very well this year. Gracen was a little timid at first, but Pavin reached right out and joined the fun.

We hope all of you are enjoying a terrific holiday season and remembering the most gracious gift of all during this special time...and always.

PS...the second new song on our playlist is a current Gracen favorite. Sorry, Mrs. Erin! :)