Christmas Night

Well with such an early morning and no nap, by the time we head to Papa's this crowd was pooped. Once the whole gang gets there, we get energized once again and those presents didn't stand a chance!

Christmas DAY!!

She woke up EARLY this year! Lot's of excitement and anticipation! Just the thought of that scooter that she had be asking for the past six months made her squeal with delight...Not o mention that castle that she threw on the list at the last minute!

Christmas Eve

Got up a little late this morning and we were all moving a little slow, but we finally made it out the door and headed to Grantsboro to see grandma! Sophie was so excited just to see everyone and is now a pro at opening presents. Remembering the last couple of Christmases where you had to coach her into opening the next present because she just wanted to play with the one she just opened!

Anyway, we returned home that evening to bake Santa's cookies. Man what a sugar rush Santa's gonna have this Christmas!!

Christmas with Neenie

Dance

Last week we were able to sit in on one of Sophie's dance classes! She loves it so much and I really injoyed getting a little peek into what she's been learning in there. Very impressed, if I do say so myself!

Oh what a Wonderful Child

I captured the last few verses....I think this was my favorite part of the whole program!

Tis the Season!

That was the name of Sophie's first Christmas play. And she was not loving that sheep costume!! But except for that minor detail, everything went great. This was also my first year, along with Shelly, to do the background for the play. It was alot of work, but when it was all said and done we were both very pleased with the outcome:)

Christmas Town

Our second annual trip to Busch Garden's Christmas Town...hoping this will be a new family tradition as it really just sits the mood for the season. Complete with a Santa that knows the true meaning of Christmas. After spending some time in deep conversation with Sophie he then motioned for William to lend his ear. Confirming what we already knew that our daughter was a gift from God and that we are blessed! REALLY love that Santa! Family picture taken in "France". One of my favorite countries.

Neenie and Sophie taking a little break while Daddy and Taylor give the roller coaster a try. Wish I had taken a picture of their hair when they got off!!

Our two favorite girls!!

It was starting to get really crowded, so I didn't get the best photo in the penguin excursion.

Sleep Over

Sophie's very first sleepover with two of her little friends from school! My house was transformed into a castle complete with three very special princesses!

They loved decorating their own cupcakes....sprinkles everywhere!!

I must say , this is my very favorite photo of the evening!

My Snow White!

The Cutest Snow White EVER!!!! My Levi the Lobster!!

Costume contest 0-3yrs..... the mini cheerleader took home the prize!

Lots of fun in the bounce house.

Got the prize duck on the first try!!

Love my Higher Ground family! Making memories to last a lifetime.

Raising Funds for Baby #2!

Custom Built Canopy Doll Bed! $140....and one to be raffled off later this month!

The Little Things....

Sophie's dressed and I'm in the middle of fixing her hair for dance. Levi wakes up from his nap. "Oh Sophie! You're a princess!" He exclaimed. "Thank you." says Sophie.  "Where are you going?" Levi asked. "To dance." replies Sophie. "Can I go watch you dance?" "Sure!" says Sophie.

Ballet

A picture is worth a thousand words!!!!!

Hurricaine Irene

This had to be the longest hurricaine ever!! Starting at 1:30am saturday morning I moved Sophie from her bed to my makeshift bed in the closet under the stairs. Mommy slept(if you want to call it that) halfway between and hall and closet. We spent all day saturday in the hall fingerpainting, coloring, putting puzzels together, and watching a little Nanny McFee. Call me overprotective, but just not taking any chances with this precious little girl!

Sophie wakes up Sunday morning and says "Mommy, do we have to play in the hall again today?'

And the clean up begins....if could have been much worse. Thank you Lord for protecting my family!!!

BACA

Sophie's first day of school!! So excited that morning. When we arrived she quickly went into play mode and waved at me, "see ya later mommy!"

Sophie and Savannah

So I really have lots up catching up to do! Let's start with what I hope to be our Annual trip to Top Sail Beach. It was so nice to be able to spend the weekend with the Decker Family. We learned real quick last year that one day just wasnt' enough. I just love seeing the girls together. When they walked through the "Shark" at the surf shop, it wasn't hard to tell that Savannah had just woke up. Sophie played shy....for just a bit. After a little shopping it was off to Mickey D's for a late lunch as the girls very quickly warmed up to each other.

And it didn't take long for Tannor to win Sophie over either.

A little down time while Melinda prepared a yummy supper ending with a fruit pizza that was just heavenly. And since we're making memories here I must confess...on my night to cook, I decided to be "smart" and put a ham in the oven while we played in the pool. SOOOO, we had blackened ham with cheese potatoes that took 2 hours to cook because I didn't realize I had turned the oven off after taking the ham out!!! I think it was like 9pm by the time we ate!

Another day on the beach. I don't have any pictures of these too at the pool. Must have forgotten the camera:(

And at the end of our visit. It was time for our photo shoot. Melinda got the girls matching dresses. They were just adorable!! My camera fogged up and thank goodness Brian was smart and left his out on the balcony... He took some awesome pictures!! Can't wait til next year!!!

Independence DAY!!

FUN!!FUN!!AND MOREFUN!!!!

Day three of vacation came with more river time, hot dogs, and hamburgers. Fireworks that evening!!