Saturday, December 30, 2017

Christmastime

Christmas came early for the kids this year with the gifts from Gramma and Grandpa.  The kids were so excited to get the big package from them that it seemed like Christmas morning.  Thank you, Shelley and Peter for making their Christmas start off with a bang!
Next, we made the drive to Virginia to celebrate Christmas with the McPhails.  While it was freezing up there, we had a great time.


Opening her first present from Gramma and Grandpa


Myles got a sketch pad for his art work.  He is becoming a wonderful artist.


Grady handing out presents




Grady asked for money!!



Excited!!


That morning we got our first egg from our chickens.  It has been a long time in the making.


The lazy pups stayed near the fire.  During the winter, this is their regular spot.



Grady asked for money from everyone and this is what he was saving for....a mini bike.


He couldn't be more excited


Em has not forgotten about her skill as a makeup artist


Everyone is a victim, even dad



Final product



Em and I made Christmas cookies.  I had to take deep breaths and just let her work.  Sprinkles were flying.



More sprinkles


Face swap with Mimi

Christmas morning


Thank you Mimi and Papaw for all the wonderful presents.


Stocking time



Painting with Mimi


Emma insisted that they wear towels around their necks.


This is what Mimi looked like after she watched Em for a few hours.  She is bandaged and covered with makeup.  Poor Mimi


We braved the cold and went to DC.  It was so cold that our faces were burning.


Native American Museum



We made it home.  Em loves her new jammies from Papaw.  



Everyone enjoys Grady's mini bike




I love Christmastime but I have to say I'm ready to move on.  Here's to 2018!

Sunday, December 10, 2017

Parade, Birthday and a Winter Wonderland

It's official, the Christmas season has begun!


We picked out our tree, a funny little thing without a top.  I think we all felt sorry for it


We pulled out all the Christmas decorations.  Myles wore them.


Sachi is not much for winter time.  This is where she sleeps every night.  She is magical!!


Pip investigated the tree


Then it was time for the Black Mountain Christmas Parade.  It's one of my favorite events of the year.



Here it comes!  The weather was fantastic 



The kids got more candy at the parade than they did at Halloween


One of our favs are the Newfoundland dogs


Trying to get Myles to smile


She might look like an angel.......




We saw the super moon on the way home




They scored so much candy


I swear I didn't put her in there


Happy 38th to Josh.


We celebrated with Key Lime pie



Then the snow started!!


I think we got about 12 inches






I love our little town

We spent a lot of time in front of the wood stove

Em with her puppies

Josh took Miss Crazy Pants to the pool


Emma and I set up story time


We bought Josh a Dehydrator for his birthday.  He spent all weekend using it to create tasty items.  Grady was testing out the beef jerky.  I think the dogs wanted some too.


He made dried jerky, apples, mango, strawberries and bananas.  Oh and there is some Fire Cider in case someone start to feel sick.  It was a productive weekend in the kitchen.