Twas the Night Before 2013...

 New year's eve was spent as a low-key evening at my parent's house in MS.  Sam was back in Missouri by then, so we had to celebrate separately this year.  We've never been much for big parties and fanfare on any occasion, let alone New Year's, so no since in breaking tradition. LOL  I will say, though, that my family has a good ol' laugh remembering the New Year of Y2K...my mom didn't want us to go anywhere (since the world was going to crash), so we bought what we thought were big time fireworks to do at home.  Let's say big time equated to a big flop for us! haha  Love those memories.

Drew is trying to figure out what in the world is on PePaw's head!

 

I had to include this picture...only in Mississippi would every child present, including the girl, be sporting some type of camo! But hey, throw on some pink boots with that camo and it's stylish, right??

Mac, Ramsey and Parker all geared up for the big show

 

 Drew wasn't too sure about all of the action unless he was being held :)  And Ellie hated every minute of the fireworks and spent the whole time with her head buried in my mom's shoulder.  I can remember hating fireworks as a little girl, myself.

Catching a good view

My mom, and therefore every other member in our family, LOVES popcorn.  She got a fun new machine for Christmas, so we decided to have a movie night after fireworks.  Everyone was watching the new popper...

Did I mention EVERYONE was watching the action?? haha  We were anxiously waiting to see if it worked! 

Success!  Let movie night begin!!  They refill those popcorn cups over and over and over!

Here's what the end of movie night looked like...sweet littles :)

There's a Mouse in that Gingerbread House!!

Jessica and her kiddos made a gingerbread house at my mom's before Christmas.  My mom read a book to the kids about a mouse in a gingerbread house.  She really had them convinced that a mouse was in HER gingerbread house!  We even heard one squeaking in there ;)   

 

Mac looking for the mouse, complete in undies and "Fox and the Hound" hat.  (no clue why he called the hat that, but he did and wore the silly thing a lot! haha)

 

Everyone looking for that little squeaker.  Drew especially loved climbing up on the table and looking in the windows for the mouse.

My mom decided to let the kids dig in to the house after Christmas and eat the candy that had been tempting them for days. LOL  Parker was quick to show Drew how to get the best candy!

I never want to forget these faces...makes me smile every time :)

 

Mac wasn't really into eating the candy, very surprising for a kid that LOVES junk.  But buddy, Ramsey, Ellie, Parker and Drew didn't hold back one tiny bit! 

And Off To Magee...

 

After a few days at my parent's house, we headed down to Magee to spend a few fun-filled days with Sam's family.  We were so excited to finally meet our new niece, Ardsley and hang out with her parents (they live in South Carolina so, unfortunately, we don't get too many chances to visit with them...that's a long way from Missouri)!!  She is adorable and so sweet-natured.  The boys weren't real sure to do with a baby, let alone a girl, but they adapted pretty well :)  Ardsley loved watching Mac!  We were also able to catch up with some other good friends while there.  Good times!

 

Mim and Pop with their grandchildren.  I think Mac is holding Ardsley's hand :)

Had fun visiting with Mamaw Jackie

Trying to teach Mamaw how to play "Anger Birds," Mac's new obsession.

 

Christmas Catch-Up

 Ahhhh, I hate getting behind on my blog!!!  And here it is one day from Feb 1, and I haven't posted since right before Christmas.  I mean, what can ya do when you go out of town for three weeks?!?!  That's right, I was in Mississippi for three solid weeks...and had a good time for Christmas and one really spectacular wedding (many more posts to come in the very near future).  I must get caught up so I can send in for my 2012 blog book :)

 

Tradition continues with Christmas pjs.  Since Disney is so near and dear to all of our hearts these days, we went with the Mickey theme (and we can easily wear these pjs well after Christmas!)

Ever try to take a picture with a 3 year old and 1 1/2 year old???  Lots of fun!

We arrived in MS the night of the 23rd, and the next morning I found myself at the doctor for a terrible eye infection.  I figured I should just make the best of having a patch and no makeup and go as Pirate Mickey!

Our crew in fun Mickey ears (later to be props in the photo booth at Lia's wedding :) )

Not too bad considering there are five youngins in the picture

The fun that ensues when trying to take pictures!!

 

Keeping him happy with marshmallows, peppermint flavored, of course!

 

Mac was sooooo excited to finally get Tidmuth Sheds and "the whole Cars family."  All of the kids had fun playing with Christmas loot and each other.  And the entire "Cars family," a whole mack truck full, now resides in Mac's bed every night to sleep. 

 

We had a great, crazy time with my family for Christmas.  We also spent time with my extended family...I'll post our big family picture once I get it from my Aunt Cheryl.  

Santa Claus CAME to Town!!!

 Santa is the greatest ever!  He knew that we would soon be traveling home to Mississippi for Christmas, so he came to our house just a few days early.  What a guy!  And oh my how my little guys were soooo excited! And to be real honest, there was a very excited mommy and daddy too :) 

Leaving milk and cookies for Santa.  Mac said Santa likes junk like he does! haha

The Jolly Fellow left just a small piece of cookie and a note for the boys

Santa came!!!  And a very special sister elf made some really cute toy sacks...notice how bulging they are!  And oh yes, Mac's biggest wish came true, a new train!!!

 

Our stockings were hung by the chimney with care. 

Mac couldn't wait to open his bag...Drew quite literally couldn't wait, since he's already trying to dig into Mac's! haha

Mac could hardly believe his new train.  He kept saying "just what I always wanted!" over and over.  Sure made this mommy happy too.

Mac loved all of his goods.  And would quickly change his "favorite" toy to whatever he had just opened. LOL

While Drew enjoyed his toys and was eager to dig in his bag, he really loved everything big brother got.  And he of course loved the donuts for breakfast!

 

What a great, relaxing, and fun morning.  Seeing kids' faces light up is priceless.  And all day I can't stop thinking of how truly blessed our family is this Christmas.  Our God is so faithful!!!

More Charlie Sightings

Charlie has been keeping us on our toes, and both boys love finding him.  Mac especially likes it when Charlie brings treats or candy from the North Pole.  I am still so surprised at how much Drew gets into finding him and the delight that ensues when he is found.  Love this holiday magic :) 

 

Christmas candy corn, marshmallows, Smarties, coloring books...you just never know what Charlie might return with!

 

Charlie often leaves notes to applaud good behavior, which usually have a nice reminder to not repeat less than good behavior :)

A Silver Dollar City Christmas

Some very gracious friends asked us to join them one evening to Silver Dollar City as their guests.  We were thrilled to go and see the spectacular lights!  Truly some of the best I have ever seen anywhere! 

It wasn't frigidly cold but cold enough that I figured we'd bundle up tight to prevent any hint of the cold hindering our fun.

 

Waiting on the Christmas Parade.  Mac was so proud to wear his hunting hat that PePaw gave him.

Riding with Drew (for some reason we could not talk Mac into going)

I was crammed up in that little caterpillar!  Drew had a blast so it was well worth it. haha

On the carousel, which soon stopped because apparently Mac and I were breaking the rules of double riding...oh well!

With our friends, the Kramer's. 
Yep, that's our crazy family not paying attention to the camera. Lol

 

The fun faces of self photography!