Christmas came a few weeks early

Since we headed down to Bama for Christmas, we had a very early Christmas w/ Phil's mom and brother's family. Grandma Joellen spoiled us all rotten. We all had a nice time.

Here we have Uncle Tim entertaining all the kids w/ a book. It was the quietest time while we were there.Grandma read a book to the boys too.
do you ever wonder when you see a pic like this, "what the heck was the picture-taker trying to get a picture of?" nobody is even close to looking at the camera PHIL. not to mention names...

Hunter got a camera and she was a hoot w/ it. She just kept taking pics of me taking pics. It was great.

The 4 grandkiddies.

The Polar Express

It's become an annual tradition to go to New Hope, PA for the Polar Express Train ride. The novelty has worn off on the kids so we may skip a few years and try it again.

It was super chilly but nice and sunny.

I'm finding getting a pic w/ 3 kids is impossible.

The gals.

2 sweet little loving brothers that never fight or argue...

I love this one. It shows their personalities

Happy w/ his cookie and the view

buddies

Mr. and Mrs. Claus. She smelled quite strongly of soap. I liked it and hated it.

You know if you have to read a book on teh Polar Express to pass the time, the kids are ready for a break from it so they can appreciate it again.

When we pulled into the station I looked out my window and there were some good friends of ours, the Barchards, waiting to do the next ride! I was so sad we didn't plan to go together. Sara did however snap this beauty-the kids were officially DONE!! All in all it was a fun time. I enjoyed it for sure!

Last minute Cookie Exchange FHE

We enjoyed a variety of cookies and treats. And we had a small lesson on Christ's birth. And we blew the kids' minds when we asked "why are you getting gifts on His birthday?" So we all made a gift for Christ-how we can be better people. It went well.Eliza maybe more than others.

Always smiles.

just noticing-are phil and ty dressed like twins?

How can you be unhappy when you're stuffing your face w/ sweets?

Jake Visit

Jenn and Travis wanted to leave some decorations for Jake so we came along as well. It was coooold, look at Lucy in Travis' coat. She looks like she's meeelting!! (think witch on wizard of oz) My sweet Chase picked out one of his trains to leave for Jake.
The little girls just toddling around.

All spruced up for Christmas. Not a holiday goes by that I don't think what you would be like if you were here. Love you buddy.

Some December Happenings

Sitting in the back of the van w/ the kids is fun!I'm just not as cool as I think I am. I know it.
Eliza at Grandma Joellen's new house.

Picking out our tree in PA.

the kids enjoyed watching them bundle her all up!

Afterwards we went to Shady Brook Farm to see the Light Show.

Setting her up. The tree was waaaay fuller than we thought. When the string was cut off it popped out like it did on Christmas Vacation.

Definitely our favorite tree ever.

I just had to add this in. This is how Chase typically watches tv and it's so cute.

Some chilly boys enjoying some hot chocolate.

10th Anniversary

For our anniversary we went to the Cliff Park Inn in the Delaware Water Gap for a night of quiet relaxation. It was really nice to get away for 2 days. It's on a golf course so it's pretty secluded and quiet and really beautiful.The Inn is under construction so that was sort of annoying, but we enjoyed this front porch and sat out there at night and rocked and talked in the peacefulness.
Despite the fact that Phil had a sprained ankle, we hiked up to this point where you can see 3 states. It was really pretty.

I have a small fear of falling.

The classic take a pic of yourself that ends up blurry and ugly. But we still always do it.

thanks for a fun trip Phil!

Leaves leaves leaves leaves leaves

I referenced them a few times, so I'm sure you're all DYING to know how we get rid of this little lightweight beasts. We have Jenn come over w/ her leaf blower and she does the WHOLE FRONT YARD!!! woot woot! thanks again Jenn!