A December of Celebrations

Christmas started early for us. We celebrated with my family the second week of December at our house. My dad dressed up like Santa, but Henry was not fooled this year. The first thing he said was Pop Pop why are you dressed like Santa? That didn't stop him from sitting on his lap and giving a long list. Clay on the other hand, was petrified. I tried sitting with him, but he was not having it. We had a great night with kids opening presents and adults giving gifts to Toys for Tots!

Henry had a Christmas Program at school, complete with songs, motions, and Happy Birthday Jesus cake. Henry was not scared one bit, and did a great job singing all the words, along with learning John 3:16.

The next day we headed to Disney World. Just the four of us! A post in itself!

Christmas was spent celebrating at Jeff's parents with his mom's side (the Ridgells) the night before Christmas Eve, and on Christmas night with Jeff's dad side (the Joneses). It was nice seeing everyone and catching up since we missed Thanksgiving. Henry and Clay did so good considering they got their fair share of late nights.

Christmas morning we celebrated at our house with our tradition of blackberry french toast, eggs, bacon, and fruit. Jeff read the boys the Christmas Story, and we asked Henry questions about Jesus and his birth. He has done a great job retelling us about the birth of our Savior. Hopefully, one day, he will truly understand and embrace this wonderful and most precious gift.

We started a new tradition with the boys this year. We told them they would receive 3 presents each for Christmas. Symbolizing the 3 gifts the wisemen gave Jesus. I know several people that do this and I thought it was a great idea. We have so many Christmases and the boys get so much. I think this is a great way for us and them to remember and appreciate what Christmas is all about.

Henry's big gift was a new bike and helmet, and Clay got a wooden rocking horse. They also both got Pottery Barn Anywhere chairs which they love! Of course thier grandparents spoiled them with everything you can imagine, and Henry is already looking forward to his birthday.

We found out after Christmas that my sister and brother-in-law will be expecting a sweet little girl in May. They invited us to dinner in Camden and surprised us with pink filled cupcakes before dinner. So cute, and we are so excited for them! Jeff is happy I will get my girl fix, and I can't wait to buy lots of smocked little dresses with matching bows!

Jeff and I had a date night getaway last night in Charleston. Thanks to my very gracious mom for watching both boys! It was a fun time filled with movies, dinner, shopping, and breakfast on the beach. By far, my favorite place ever. Never disappoints!

I think I'm about caught up. Now get ready for picture overload! More to come for New Year's. We are headed to the beach with the boys to bring in the new year with Rick, Katie, and Karsen!


Who's at the door?

And the list goes on...

Sweet Tilly

Maybe next year...

Best present under the tree!

Talking on his new phone from Aunt Leslie and Uncle Jamie







Henry and Carter were so excited about thier batman suits

love these sweet boys!

he would have just been happy with the helmet

immediately had to ride his bike in his pjs

this boy loves his horse

the pretty momma-to-be

defintely pink!

Thanksgiving 2011

Not much to say here. We all came down with the stomach bug. We tried to go to one Thanksgiving at Jeff's grandmas and ended up coming home early. We missed two more Thanksgivings the next day, and it took almost a week for all of us to regroup. Lucky Jeff was the only one not to get hit and took such good care of his family! It was a great time to be thankful for our family even in the midst of sickness. Hopefully Christmas will be a different story.

Citadel Homecoming

Almost a month ago (I know) we headed to Charleston for the weekend for Citadel Homecoming. The Jones' rented a beach house on Folly Beach and we had a house full of kids. Tailgating was fun, and they even had bounce houses set up near the stadium (genuis). It was so nice to spend time together and catch up with the adults while the kids got a lot of cousin time in. We can't wait for next year!

Happy 1st Birthday, Clay!

Happy Birthday, Sweet Boy!

I can't believe this day is already here. It seems like yesterday we brought you home, wondering what life with two was going to bring us. I can honestly say you have brought us more joy, more laughter, and more smiles than we ever thought we could have. You are such a happy, happy baby and we are in love with who you are!

What you like:
You love your mama and need to be near me at all times. A quick pick up by mama cures everything. Daddy is a second favorite. Henry is teaching you how much fun it is to climb and wrestle him. You love your brother. Even though he is a little rough with you, you adore him and want to do everything he does. Believe it or not, he loves you too. He is so happy you are pushing cars with him in the backyard and digging dirt in the sandbox. Every afternoon he says he wants to go outside and play with you. So sweet. You love food. You gobble up everything in front of you, and scream for more. If it's something you don't like, you simply throw it down. I can never move fast enough for you.
You love balls, climbing, our dog-dog, and being outside.

What you're doing:
You have been standing on your own, taking 5-6 steps at a time, drinking regular milk and loving it, waving when you hear someone say hey, leaning your head in when we say give me a kiss, and making lots of loud noises when you want to get your point across.

We had a birthday oyster roast for you this past weekend with family. You loved all the attention, dug into your cupcake, and showed off your new walking abilities to anyone that would watch.

Clay, we love you so much and are so happy God made us your parents!
Happy Birthday!

Greeting some of your guests...



showing how you walk- hands up in the air

birthday spread

lovin on aunt leslie

it's my party and i'll play if i want to

who invited these crazy kids?


acting shy


not sure he liked it

even tried to share with daddy

loved the balloons (this was the next day afer church)

opening presents...



a special happy birthday from the boys

my friend amanda takes pictures of her boys on their birthday when they wake up. this was clay this morning when we came in to sing to him. I think he was a little scared by our singing.

Randoms

And a few random pictures...

love our fleece footie pajamas

first try at spaghetti

I think he likes it!

Pushing this racecar is a workout!

Guess what little boy will be one next week?

Who me?

Halloween 2011

Henry decided at the last minute he wanted to be spiderman so spiderman he was. Clay wore Henry's old dog hat and went as a puppy this year. We invited Nolan, Carter, and Karsen over to trick-or-treat with us. We walked around for about 45 minutes in our neighborhood. Henry loved racing to the doors and back to the wagon. Surprisingly he could care less about the candy. He had one piece when we got home and hasn't asked for anymore since. His teeth thank him! It was a chilly night, but no one complained! Hopefully, we've started a tradition!



Karsen and Clay

Spiderman and Green Goblin (Henry and Carter)

The Gang