Christmas Part 4

The day after Christmas we went to Tuskegee to have Christmas with Thomas' dad's family. It's always fun getting together with this crew. We tend to only see each other twice a year. Edward experimented with dressing, turkey, squash casserole, sweet potatoes and cranberry sauce (which he loved). Brooke again got clothes and Edward got a 4-wheeler. It was a fun Christmas. We were on the road a lot, but Edward was a trooper.

napping with Daddy after a long week

Edward with soon to be Aunt Megan

watching the cars with Aunt Andrea and Uncle John

Christmas Day (part 3)

Christmas Day began as a typical Christmas Day. We managed to keep Brooke in her room until 7 before she very excitedly got to see what Santa brought. Much to her delight, Santa delivered the Wii that she wanted both this year and last year but the jolly man could not find one last year. She was pleased with her clothes and the MANY polka dot room accessories (she's obsessed with clothes and polka dots) that Santa brought. Edward wasn't sure what to think about all of the commotion. He loved the roll-a-round balls that Santa brought as well as the wrapping paper that filled the room.

Growing up we always had sausage balls for breakfast and Thomas always had breakfast casserole so we combined the two traditions and have them both. We invited Thomas' parents and his youngest brother and his wife to join us for an early breakfast before we headed back to Montgomery for lunch with my mom and siblings.

After breakfast, we loaded up and headed back to Montgomery where we again rushed through opening presents. Brooke got lots of stylish clothes and some fun gift certificates. Edward also got lots of cute smocked outfits that mom made (and bought) for him. We are so grateful for everyone's generosity. I always LOVE being with my siblings especially my brother who seems to get something started every time. After all, what are brothers for??? Mom prepared a fabulous meal and the fellowship was wonderful. Unfortunately, everything happened so fast that I couldn't get my camera out in time for pictures.

After lunch we headed back to AU where we had Thomas' mom's side of the family over for dinner and more presents. After everyone left, the siblings stuck around to watch Christmas Vacation (this is an annual event).

playing with his new tub toys

Wow!

Brooke and Edward

Edward and Uncle Clay

Christmas Part 2

Christmas Eve day we headed over to Montgomery to have Christmas with my dad, his wife, my grandfather and my uncle and his family. It was fun being together and getting to spend some time with my grandfather. Edward was the center of attention and enjoyed every minute of it. My grandfather gave him a Mickey Mouse riding toy. It lights up and plays lots of music. Edward loves anything with lights and music. My dad and his wife gave him a ball popper. It blows balls through a tube and provides lots of entertainment. Brooke also got some goodies. The highlight was an ITunes gift card. Everyone was so generous to the big kids.

After we left Montgomery, we rushed home to make it to the Christmas Eve Children's Service at our church. It was such a sweet service. I can't wait until Edward is old enough to participate. Once we were home, we allowed Brooke and Edward to open one gift, which was pajamas (this was a tradition that goes back to when my mom was young). After that, we headed next door to exchange gifts with our neighbors. Here are some pictures from the entire day.

Edward and Daddy playing with Sarah

Figuring out his Mickey Mouse truck

Loving his new wheels!

playing with Tyler's new truck

Tyler showing Edward how to work the football that he gave him

Brooke and Edward in their new pjs

Merry Christmas to all......

Christmas Part 1

Let me preface this post by saying that this will be part one of many Christmas gatherings. Sunday we headed to DeFuniak Springs, FL to celebrate Christmas and a little family time with my grandparents. There were 17 of us that traveled to see my grandmother and her family. Unfortunately, I did not get any pictures of anyone but Edward. He was so overwhelmed with bows and wrapping paper. He also enjoyed playing with his cousin Amelia. I don't know if I will post again before Christmas. If not, I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas!

Edward and Sampson

Edward and his cousin Amelia

Edward has recently discovered that you can bounce on a bed and it provides LOTS of entertainment. My aunt caught this just as he was about to fall backwards!

Gingerbread House

My mom, Gee, gave Brooke a gingerbread house kit as something to do while she was on her Christmas Break. It was very time consuming but she enjoyed doing it. Here is the finished product. Keep in mind we are NOT anything close to Martha Stewart!

Wordless Wednesday

Christmas Card Attempts

There were two days of several attempts at our Christmas card picture. Edward was very serious about being silly. Here are a few for you to enjoy!

Thanksgiving part 4

Saturday we traveled over to Braggs (in Lowndes County) to my family's hunting land to celebrate Thanksgiving (once again) with my dad and his wife and my grandfather. Unfortunately it as a very wet day so we didn't get to do all that we wanted to. Once the rain slowed down, the guys were able to get in a little skeet shooting in and the girls headed out on the 4wheelers. We all gathered to watch the very sad AU/AL football game. It was fun being with all of my siblings and their significant others. Edward really enjoyed being the center of attention.

Thanksgiving part 3

Friday we celebrated Thanksgiving with Thomas' mom's family. It was also his grandfather's 87th birthday. We enjoyed visiting with Thomas' grandfather and his aunt, uncle and cousin and look forward to seeing them again at Christmas!

Edward and his Great-aunt Virginia

Edward and Daddy (after two days and 3 Thanksgivings, he was pooped!)

Nancy Clay (Thomas' mom) and her dad (Papa)

Thanksgiving Parts 1 & 2

Thursday we headed to Montgomery to have Thanksgiving with my mom and siblings. It's always a fun time. We had a great meal and it's tradition to play bocce ball (which is a lawn game similar to horseshoes). We were able to get in a few games before and after lunch. In the afternoon, we headed to Tuskegee to see some of Thomas' family that were in town. It was the first time for some of them to see Edward. Most of the pictures are from my mom's house. Enjoy and stay tuned for parts 3 and 4!

Fall

These were taken a couple of weeks ago. Brooke raked up the neighbor's leaves and we sat Edward in them for a few shots. He was a good sport. He wanted to eat them so bad. The first picture is of Brooke and the neighbor's kids having a good time. I hope everyone has enjoyed this nice fall we have had. I also hope everyone has a fun and safe Thanksgiving!!

On your mark, get set,...

...SCOOT!! Edward has been trying to mobilize himself for about a week now. He can finally get around. Here's a video from this morning. Turn your volume up for some infectious laughter at the end!!!

Happy Halloween!

The City of Auburn decided they would celebrate Halloween one night earlier due to the fact that tomorrow night is a home game for Auburn High School. Every year, the City puts on a big to do in downtown Auburn. After trick or treating for the last 4 years in our neighborhood with Brooke, we decided we would check out the festivities downtown. The City blocks off several streets and the merchants in the downtown area pass out candy and coupons. They have live music, a costume contest, several university athletes on hand for autographs and of course Aubie!! It was a fun, crowded experience!! Edward was a monkey because he truly is my little monkey. Brooke was dressed straight out of the 80's.

Happy 1st Halloween!

Flash Dance?

That stinkin' peel kept getting in the way!!

Edward was very interested in Aubie's whiskers!

Stone Mountain

Saturday we ventured on over to Georgia to give Stone Mountain another shot. (On July 4th, we attempted to go but unfortunately the park had met their capacity.) We went with our good friends and their kids hoping to catch the fall color, but apparently we were about a week too early. It was a fun trip. We didn't get to do everything they had to offer. It was a perfect day and a very cool night. It was also the last day for the park's 25th Anniversary Laser show. Despite being off his schedule and enduring the chilly night, Edward was a good sport.

Waiting to ride the train

Taking in the sights as we ride the train

Brooke and Edward on top of Stone Mountain

Brooke, Edward, Tyler and Haley Koen

Waiting to watch the laser show