Pinch Me

We had to start some new traditions this year. While I missed friends, family, and was a little sad that our church did not do the candlelight service with Silent Night (always a tear jerker) it has been a pretty spectacular Christmas. Honestly, the pure joy and happiness of watching Christmas unfold through the eyes of a six year old might just be the best thing ever. Wip was excited about EVERYTHING. Toys, lights, advent calendar, Ernie the Elf, trees, cards, etc. Sometimes throughout the month, I would just want someone to pinch me to make sure that this was real. Thankfully, it was.

All Saints School put on a chaotic (but precious) pageant

Duncan was a king (wiseman)

Duncan, Owen, and Bass...buds

After the performance, Wip made this picture for Duncan to show how proud he was 

This little elf was pumped about his pj day at school

Wip was determined to dress up as Frosty

We hosted our first party and it was a hit! 

I was trying to say "look people showed up" with my thumb, but Susan was saying "good times" with her thumb:)

Ernie was so much fun to have around...we will miss you little elf

Duncan wrapped up his football season by scoring a touchdown in the last game

Wip wanted to have friends over to decorate gingerbread houses...so we did!

We thought it would be fun to spend the night at one of the GINORMOUS resort hotels and experience a little Florida Christmas

We went to the ICE! exhibit. The advertisement kept making it seem like it was a show. It was not. It was a $30 ticket to walk around ice sculptures for about 7 minutes before you were so cold you could not stand it. You also had to wear rented jackets (gross). Live and learn:) 

what the heck

Pretty cool

Selfies with this silly

Complimentary photo from Gaylord (ha!)

Hotel pool time!

Complete with a showing of Jingle All The Way 

Tuckered out

After our hotel stay we went to breakfast at IHOP...we have a feeling this will not be the last time Duncan finds himself in a IHOP talking about the night before:) 

Christmas Eve at Sea World

Face paint or a snack

Duncan went for the snack

This Christmas has been all about the legos...I was so impressed when Wip put this together on his own

Felt so much love from family and friends near and far

Opened this on Christmas Eve...he was pleased

So was he

Christmas morning...these boys are so blessed

Both boys had to take breaks before opening all of the presents

Wip played zoo in his room for about two hours...this kid loves his animals

So there you have it. Our holiday season has been filled with so much love and happiness. I have no idea what I did to deserve this little family of mine, but every once in a while I do give myself a little pinch..just to make sure.

Well, hello there...

The other night Duncan was sitting at Patrick's desk. He was working on something and dropped his pencil. All of a sudden I hear him say "oh brother!". It brought me back to this little blog of mine.

Thanksgiving seems like it was years ago. The boys met Santa on November 15 (a little early you say?). Grams and Poppy came in for a visit. Baseball ended on a very high note. Duncan had a "ferformance" and nailed it. A quick trip to Kentucky was enough to restore my love of the bluegrass state and help with missing family and friends (also a realization that there is never enough time to do it all).

how good is this santa?...I realize I have already posted this pic...but seriously how good is this Santa?

DATE NIGHT (thanks Grams and Poppy)

playing Inside Out at the airport on the way to KY

no words.

again...I have no words.

Post turkey nap

He loves his cousin Baby Francie

PJs All Day

Uncle/Niece Coordination

Fun times with forever friends

When we returned to Florida I told Wip he could get out one box of Christmas decorations. Little did I know it would be the box that had Ernie inside. When he picked up the elf...he freaked. out. Patrick told Wip that it was not Ernie that he picked up, but Ernie's cousin...Frank. Frank lost his powers so his friends came and picked him up and Ernie was going to be coming in and staying for the month of December. Well played Daddy...well played.

December started with a bang and has yet to slow down...I would not have it any other way. Sea Island with friends, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, and much more. So far so good (minus a sick little William that decided to get a stomach bug the night before going to Disney World).

the stockings were hung

Christmas Tree picking in 80 degree weather

then the temp droooooped

to the beach!

morning cartoons

chilly wagon ride

D's best bud (and twin:)

Whoville!

D could not keep his hands off Owen's baby brother

more kisses

Whoville Gingerbread House

Wip's favorite part of Sea Island during the holidays

So. Much. Fun.

Waiting for Santa

Santa was running late (he was in a parade) while there were lots of people waiting somehow the boys were first in line upon his arrival...nice move boys. nice move.

Puzzles are fun

Duncan did most of the decorating

A little hot chocolate party to finish the rest of the tree

This picture does not do it justice, but our street was the first to hang chicken wire balls that look like HUGE ornatments. I love driving down our street every night.

Welcome to FL William!

He rallied for the mouse

Duncan stayed in costume the entire night...Green Lantern (ring included)

Look at the train!

Magical

Duncan was so much fun on the Dumbo ride..."we are so high...I fink we are really flying!"

The Goofy line was short and worth it!

Its A Small World

Uncle Scotty's Alma Mater

End of the night pic

Poor William...just means he has to come back

Photo Cred: Wip

Mimosa and Merriment party...waiting for Santa

There he is!  Nice work with Mrs. Clause (says the entire party)

Went for a chilly dip (with bubbles of course)

Went to a neighborhood cookies and cheer party and met all of our neighbors...so fun.

Went to a outdoor movie night at a neighbors and had so much fun...did I mention I LOVE my neighborhood?

Church. 

So Wip has memorized the item number for the LEGO set that he wants...cracks me up.

More to come...