Christmas Time is here!

I love Christmas! Ive been listening to Christmas music since October and Im not ashamed to admit it. To get the kids in the spirit, we took them to the Opryland Hotel to look at the Christmas lights. They were very excited...

So, one of the wonderful things at Opryland Hotel is the beautiful fountain show. We stood right in front of the fountains while they danced to beautiful Christmas songs. Pictures do not do it justice but here is a sad attempt to capture the show...

Well, for the grand finale, the fountains change all different colors and go up all the way to the ceiling while the Hallelujah chorus plays loudly. It looked like the water would splash down right on top of us. Jason and I loved it but we noticed that the kids were scared to death.

We took alot of pictures of them in front of the Big Christmas tree. I love the one where Garrett is standing in front of the gold bow. I didnt realize he was smack dab in front of the thing and it just makes me laugh!






Funny Picture...
They thought the Waterfall was soooo cool...

and the horses made Bella's day of course!

So...for an inexpensive Christmas tradition, you just have to take your family to the Opryland Hotel! I know we will be going every year.

So much to be thankful for...

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We are so thankful for all of our family. We know how lucky we are to be close to so many loved ones. We decided to go to Arkansas to spend time with Jason's family this year. We had a great time. As usual, we stayed with Gary and Linda. They made us feel right at home!

We spent alot of the time outside. Jason took the kids out on the 4 wheelers and they had so much fun. Gary drove them around the property too and then took them on a nature walk- which they loved of course!

We rode on the gator alot too...

Okay. Here are some pics of Jason doing dangerous things with the 4wheeler. I was cringing the whole time he was doing this, but I took some pictures in case I needed to turn them in for life insurance purposes...just kidding...

Nobody thought this sticker was a big deal- except me.

One of the highlights of the trip was the bonfire night.

The kids roasted hotdogs and marshmallows.

Garrett had too many marshmallows and grandpa had to cut him off.


Bella loved helping Uncle Gary prepare the stuffing and the boys enjoyed pestering her and throwing bread at her bowl.


Then on Thanksgiving Day, we woke up and watched the parade, ate wonderful food, and just hung out. Here is Ethan with grandpa Ezell...
We all had a good time. We headed back home that night so I could wake up early for "Black (wonderful) Friday"! I left our house at 4:15 am and headed to the mall. I was in one line for TWO hours! It was still fun. We met up with mom in the food court so I took a quick picture- then we split up again...



On Sunday afternoon, we went to my parents house for their Thanksgiving lunch. Again, wonderful food and hanging out most of the day...

Poppi and Garrett

Mimi and Ethan

We spent alot of time on the Wii and playing board games

I am thankful for my family...

November

I could have waited longer to post pictures but with the Holidays just around the corner, I know I will have plenty of pictures coming up. Last weekend, our Arkansas family came into town to visit and be with Nana for her ordination as a pastor!

Here is a great picture of the family

It was such a special service. We all lined up and Nana served each of us communion. Here is a picture of her with her father.

Bella was able to sit through the entire service but the boys were restless. I sat outside with them on the floor. They were still very cute and they were very proud of Nana!

We loved being with Jason's family all weekend. On Saturday we stayed at Grandpa and Nana's house all day. We just enjoyed being with everyone and eating great food! Jack made me a gluten free version of lunch and it was amazing good (of course!) I made two (ungluten free) cakes which I obviously didnt eat but they smelled good.

Later that night we celebrated Aunt Christy's birthday...she was a good sport. The kids love her!

We had a great time and cant wait to see everyone again soon!

Bella had her Thanksgiving Family Feast at school this week. Her class began the feast by saying The Lord's prayer. so precious! The first picture is Bella peeking (she is in the middle). How cute!

Jason could not be there so I asked Mimi to help out and thank goodness she did because Garrett just screamed and cried about all the food he saw that he did not want to eat. I finally gave in and let him eat yeast rolls (ewww) and grapes.

Here is my grumpy Garrett

Here is a picture of Bella and some of her friends

and here they are laying on the floor talking about something very important

One last picture of her with her BFF Maya. We had Maya and her mom, Christina over for pancakes last week and had a great time. Bella is such a free spirit. I love how she is always so happy and carefree...

See you soon!