Fun filled family weekend!

Aunt Sherry, Shannon and Shannon's friend, Amanda, came to visit on Thursday and we have had a fun filled family weekend! Post to come with more pictures soon...

Can I get you anymore egg nog?

Enjoying a bit of egg nog Christmas Vacation style with our red velvet cake...after our shrimp and grits!

It's been a great couple of days, but back to work tomorrow!

Merry Christmas

From our home to yours!












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Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve at mom and dads was full of excitement, laughter and love.  Layne and Lily loved everything about the day and I believe Mullen enjoyed his first Christmas (I know we all enjoyed sharing it with him).  I didn't get any pictures of our food, but the stuffed shells that mom made were absolutely delicious and Baby Jesus's Birthday Cake tasted much better than it looked.  Church was full and feels extra cozy and special on Christmas Eve.   Overall, it is always just fun being together!  

Christmas Adam...

Was a super fun day. Went to Ray's annual work Christmas lunch where this year they had presets for the kids and it was quite hectic! There team has gotten so big over the years that they have outgrown some of the traditions, but they don't want to give them up! I remember how we use to all eat around the conference table. Now the food will not even fit on the conference table! Nonetheless, it is always a fun and great to catch up with some of the 'trip' wives!


I got new lenses for my glasses and I can now see out of them! Due to all the bells and whistles I need they are expensive and I couldn't find any frames I liked so decided to just get new lenses. At first they made me sick and I was regretting my decision, but they are growing on me!
Tonight, I made Jesus's Birthday cake! Lily asked me multiple times about this cake. I love the tradition and love making the cake, but nothing turned out right...my colors were off and my icing bags kept bursting, so good thing it is the thought that counts. No doubt it will taste delicious!


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On the 4th day till Christmas...

We went to church where the candles of peace, joy, hope and love were lit. After church we went grocery shopping and made food for Ray's work party that is tomorrow. Then I went and did some Christmas shopping with mom! Ending the night watching last nights Saturday Night Live with Ray...wrappinville is too funny!


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On the 5th day till Christmas...

Lily and I went to The Peabody to visit the ducks, look at the gingerbread houses and admire the many large Christmas trees! We had plans of a carriage ride to brunch, but the weather kept the horses inside.

We then headed to the Majestic to have brunch with Rocky, Grizz and Santa and his Elves.  We both had such a good time.  Lily was so into the mascots!

As we were crossing the street we saw Santa entering the restaurant and Lily got so excited!

Laura was our server and she took good care of us!
Rocky was having a big time and almost knocked us down with is tail feathers!
Santa spent some time with us at our table!

 He wrote Lily a note as he was leaving and she was so excited about that!

She wanted her picture with his note since I told her that we couldn't take the table cloth with us!

Lily especially liked this elf as he had fresh baked chocolate chip cookies!

 And both of our favorites...The Grizz!

Eric is the best Grizz and has such an inspiring story.  He spent some extra time with Lily and she was laughing so hard when he picked her up!

In the afternoon we went to paint pottery, but Lily told me not to post any pictures until after Christmas!  The entire way there she talked about the plate she wanted to paint Baby Mullen; however, when we got there she found something for her Poppa that she was so excited to paint.  We spent 2 hours painting and she said she can't wait to go back and paint a horse for herself!  We had major rain and storms this afternoon and Lily wasn't sure what to do, so we took her home where she was more comfortable.  Today was great...Life is so good! 

On the 6th day till Christmas...

I went to Chickfila and to see Frozen with my favorite niece and momma!  Lily thought it was a pretty long movie, but we all loved Olph the Snowman!  Lily is spending the night, so we are all snuggled into our bed telling Betty Sue stories and singing Away in a Manger.  What a fun night (and we have a very fun 5th day till Christmas planned, so goodnight)!

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On the 7th day till Christmas...

I served at More Than A Meal that is hosted by Idlewild Presbyterian.  I believe we had 125 there tonight.  I always enjoy serving others and especially enjoy hearing their prayers.

On the 8th day till Christmas...

I celebrated with great Alpha Chi friends at Southward. Menu was just okay, but dinner was delicious and the company was so much fun!  This picture is horrible, but at least I took one!

On the 10th and 9th days till Christmas...

I failed to take any pictures!  I've been a bit under the weather, so I'm blaming it on that and my new personal objective to make the most out of each moment and not always be in a rush.  Let's see...On the 10th day, I went to the 4th Annual 'I LOVE GROW' leaders Christmas Party.  Rebecca is always such a gracious and fabulous host.  We turned it into a favorite things party as a way to generate gifts for the directors of the center and the principles of the schools.  I just know they are going to love these thoughtful gifts.  Then, what was the most fun was that we played a game to guess who brought what.  I so hate I do not have any pictures of this party...her house and the table set for 14 was absolutly stunning and the food was delicious.  We laughed so much, I lost my voice (and I'm still looking for it!)  I also met my new favorite red...MeliniLa Selvanella Chianti Classico Riserva 2007 and my favorite bread...knots from a local bakery called Ricky's and some of the most thoughtful Christmas 'happies'.

On the 9th day, I enjoyed a Christmas lunch at my favorite place, McEwens, with my favorite AutoZoner, Kim.  She gave me the most beautiful mother of pearl wrap bracelet and we had the best time catching up.  I miss Kim as my assistant, but I am so enjoying getting to know her more as a friend than as her boss.  I had big plans of getting all of our out of town presents wrapped tonight, but instead I took cough meds and called it a night...must get well because I have 8 more fun filled days on the calendar before the big day (and I miss running)!

On the 11th Day till Christmas...

We celebrated with the Harbor Town Christmas Parade!  Due to last weekends rain/ice, it was postponed till Sunday night.  The crowd and parade were both much smaller than last year, but we enjoyed a festive time with family, neighbors and great friends.  I did a horrible job of taking pictures, but I was having a great time and photos were not at the top of my mind...
A neighbor sent me this picture and I love it, because it captures the true feeling of the parade and has my some of favorite people in the background!

Emily got us these Christmas Vacation shirts to wear, but

Unfortunately, Molly, Logan and Mullen had prior plans and couldn't make the postponed date.  We missed them so and I know they missed us.  As you can see Molly had Mullen a "Cousin Eddie" Outfit!  We will have to wear these again soon!

Layne was in the best mood and was just full of Christmas cheer!
Lily was all about the red noses I had gotten for the kids.  She wanted her picture with everyone who would allow it!

 Layne didn't wait long to break into his parade candy!

 They were both so into the horses!

 Since the parade was so short a few friends missed it, but they still came for the fun and good food!

 Layne and Gabriella were more into making sure all of the noses worked!

 Nonna and Lily the red noise reindeer...

 Uncle Ray and Lily the red noise reindeer...

 Daddy and Lily the red noise reindeer..