A Visit with Santa and Christmas Carols

We got to see Santa last weekend. Jack was pretty excited, but he accidentally left his "Christmas Wish Book" at home, so I'm not sure he remembered his whole list for Santa. Luckily, we have a house elf named "Mr. Funny" who is happy to watch over the kids and report back to Santa each night.

Jack and Santa getting to know one another

We knew that Emily wasn't going to sit in Santa's lap. That wasn't even worth trying this year! However, he did have a basket of candy canes nearby, and she was fine with going near him to get to the candy!

Emily was proud of herself for getting that candy cane!

We also have had a couple of Christmas Concerts this year. Here is a picture of Jack's class. He is in the back row, second from the right...singing his heart out!


And all of the 4-year-olds in the grand finale!


We are all ready for Santa now. Jack told me tonight that he can't wait a whole week - that's way too long! Not only are we counting down to Santa, but it is also a countdown to Frannie, Pops, and Aunt Sassy coming to visit for Christmas. We can't wait!

More Fall Fun!

We have had a very busy month of October. Jack is playing soccer for the first time, which is lots of fun to watch. He had a hard time adjusting to the concept that it was o.k. for someone to take the ball from him when he had it first. The whole 'don't take what doesn't belong to you' rule that we worked so hard to instill totally had to go out the window here! But, he's learning about the game of soccer, and having to be a little bit competitive, so that's a good thing.

From Fall 2008

That's Jack with everyone coming straight for him!

From Fall 2008

And Jack taking it down the field.



We had a Fall Family Festival at our church...lots of carnival rides and games for the kids, and a fantastic concert outside with the entire band/orchestra, and all choirs from adults to preschoolers. Jack was a part of that, since he is in choir this year.

From Fall 2008

From Fall 2008

Emily is getting so big. She had her first haircut this month, and is really becoming her own little person. She loves to have story time in Jack's bed. Jack has memorized "The Napping House," so he "reads" to her.

From Fall 2008

From Fall 2008

And she loves to take care of her babies

From Fall 2008

Finally, Cullen and I got to have a relaxing getaway to the north Georgia mountains.

From Fall 2008

Fall Fun!

Today we went to Uncle Shuck's pumpkin patch and corn maze. This has become a tradition for us every Fall, and it is always a great time for the family!



The Kids

From Uncle Shuck's 2008

From Uncle Shuck's 2008

We've gotten a picture of Jack here every year...

From Uncle Shuck's 2008

Some semi-posed shots amongst the pumpkins!

From Uncle Shuck's 2008

From Uncle Shuck's 2008

From Uncle Shuck's 2008

Happy Birthday, Emily!!

Today we celebrated Emily's 2nd birthday. I can't believe how time flies! Matt and Leslie joined us to celebrate, along with Sadie Grace! We have had a great time for the past few days with Frannie & Pops, and Anne Calvert! The cousins have had a great time playing together, and Jack loves having Anne Calvert here - she actually plays with him and does what he wants her to do...something his own sister has not quite caught on to yet!

Emily on her birthday morning


The cousins playing "marching band"!




Sweet cousins!


Anne Calvert loved meeting baby Sadie!






Happy Birthday, Emily!!

Labor Day Fun

We had a great time celebrating Labor Day with Matt, Leslie and Baby Sadie! The pool was very cold, but the boys were brave enough to take a swim! Here are a few photos from the fun!

The "older" cousins checking out the baby


Nana is sooooo funny!


The Girls


Racing Uncle Matt to the finish line - I think Jack won by a fingertip!!


Warren is really focusing on his kicks!

Our Two Superheroes

Tonight our household was paid a little visit by two new superheroes...



Naked Boy - and his sidekick - Diaper Girl

Jack, of course, was the brains behind the operation, while Emily chased him around yelling "Diaper! Diaper!" I wish I had my video camera handy, but I think the photography tells a great story, anyway!









I can rest easy tonight knowing that I am well protected!

Vacation Part II

We have been fortunate enough to take 2 very nice vacations this year. This time around, we spent a few days in Vero Beach, FL and then a few days in Orlando - home to Mickey Mouse and the Palmer family! I couldn't decide which pictures to post, so the full albums are a bit further down this page on the right. We did manage to get a picture of the 4 of us together...that doesn't happen very often!



The kids had a great time at Disney World. It was so hot, but they all stuck it out and we were able to stay for the afternoon parade.



Now, back to reality!

Exercise Time with Jack

When the weather is bad, or it is just too hot outside, we have to get our "energies" out in more creative ways. Today, it was in the way of an exercise class led by Jack.

We did some yoga


A Spiderman jump and spin move


Jumping Jacks - which Emily had to get in on, too!


and Jack's signature move...


I'll be glad when we can just play outside again!!