Christmas 2010

I forgot to post this pic last time. The boys were so proud of their little gingerbread train that could ... A couple days before Christmas we headed to Columbus for the day to celebrate with family there. It was a special treat to visit Aunt Julie Ann's boyfriend's family farm ... Justin helped Noah feed the donkeys.

Aunt Julie Ann and Noah explore the creek. When they got back to Grandpa's, it was present time.
Grandpa got lots of sweet Eliza love.

On Christmas Eve, the boys looked so handsome for church.

Of course, Eliza had to get dolled up too.

When we got home, Ben wrote a note for Santa and we fixed him and his reindeer a plate of goodies ...

And while sugar plums were dancing, the Big Man arrived!

Christmas morning brought lots of excitement, with Santa coming through on much of their wish lists.

Eliza slept through most of the gift opening frenzy, but when she finally woke up, the boys were happy to help her open her presents.

There was snow accumulation in Atlanta on Christmas day for the first time in over 130 years. Such a treat for the boys!

That night they took their new Jeep out for its inaugural ride.

What a perfect day!

The next day we flew to Michigan to celebrate with family there.

Boomma was so happy to see baby E!

We had a Christmas pool party with all the grandkids (9 of them) ...

Eliza with cousin Kelsey.

With cousin Ashley - the oldest and youngest grandkids.

On New Year's Eve, Eliza was obviously excited to ring in 2011. She's got big plans this year - solid foods, talking, walking - it's major.

The boys and their cousin Austin had a countdown at about 7 pm, which didn't dampen their spirits at all. Happy New Year, everyone!

Holiday Cheer

Since Thanksgiving weekend, we've been busy getting into the holiday spirit. Here's a sampling of some of our Christmas fun thus far: First Santa visit w/o Jess and I having to be in the picture - we did not care that Ben wouldn't smile. Baby steps, people.
"Snow" at Atlantic Station.

The Macy's (formerly Rich's) Pink Pig and hot cocoa are an annual tradition.

The boys had their church Christmas concert last week. Here's a short clip of some of Noah's "performance" - quite the ham that one. He's on the bottom right in red. Ben is on the top right in green, but for some reason your eye may be drawn to Noah ...

And one more of our growing girl!

Ride 'Em, Cowboys!

We spent a gorgeous fall day last Saturday at Ms. Debbie's horse farm. Debbie is the children's pastor at our church, and she was so kind to invite everyone out for a day of fun on the farm!

The fresh country air put little Eliza right to sleep. We were so glad to have Uncle John and his girlfriend Kristen come spend the day with us!

And one more of E, just for giggles.

Halloween 2010

It seems that Halloween has become a several-weeks-long holiday - pumpkins and parties and parades ... all leading up to the BIG night. At least the boys got some real use out of their costumes - they got to wear them to school, to a couple of parties, to trunk-or-treating at church, and, of course, for the main event.

Eliza slept through her first trip to the pumpkin patch. The boys happily picked one out for her.
Our little cowboy, SWAT police officer, and ...
blooming flower baby!

Playgroup Halloween Party - Year 6!

Ben's class from last year got together for some Halloween fun. Noah loved bobbing for apples - he was completely drenched afterward, as you might have guessed.

The boys had fun making pizza mummies one night for dinner.

On Halloween, as tradition has it, our friends Ava and Eli came over for dinner and trick-or-treating!

Getting ready to head out.

And reaping some of the rewards afterward.

Let the sugar high begin!

School Pictures

School pictures have come a long way since I was a kid. No more mottled gray backdrops, Olan Mills style, thank goodness. Here are the boys' pictures from this year ...

Smiles!

Ben helped me catch a few smiles on camera the other day ...
Eliza loves laughing with her big brothers!