Christmas in the South!

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas.......even in South Georgia!!!

That's right, it's actually cold outside!

And so, with a chill in the air and Thanksgiving now behind us, it must mean only one thing - It's Almost Christmas!!!!!

Let the fun begin!

I love events, but Christmas events...even better! Therefore, this year we are going to not one, not two, but three Christmas tree lightings! Kate LOVES Santa this year too so that makes seeing him all the more fun! And Gabe, well, he seems to be getting a little more at ease with each "Santa sighting." :)

1st stop - Amelia Island

This place was beautifully decorated, but wow, was it crowded! I think everyone from Amelia Island came out for this event! When we first arrived we were greeted by carolers dressed to look straight from A Christmas Carol. We also enjoyed some yummy cookies, hot chocolate, and apple cider! And then - the stilt people! Kate wanted a picture with them but was a little too nervous to get up close without mommy or daddy.

Aside from all the characters from the North Pole, the kids also enjoyed riding the carousel and seeing all the lights. And a special treat for me, we happened to be in line with Amelia, a little girl I taught in preschool 3 years ago!!! In fact, it was loving her name (and the fact that she was just so cute!) that Kate's middle name became Amelia!

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We can't forget Santa! I must say, I was a little disappointed with this guy. He was very nice, but this is Amelia Island - could they not get a guy with a real beard?!? :)

Our friend Madeline came along too! And like Gabe, she wasn't too sure about Santa tonight. She did finally decide to just not look at him and pretend she was in a happier place. :)

We ended our night by standing in line for nearly an hour!!! to ride in the horse drawn carriage. The kids did remarkably well waiting though and it was worth it once it was finally our turn - Kate & Gabe loved it!

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2nd Stop - Jekyll Island

One of our favorite Christmas events every year is the Jekyll Island tree lighting! This was our 3rd year going and I think in some ways the most fun year because Kate was able to do everything! And talk about a great Santa, I think this guys might just be the real one! :) He was great!

Even Madeline liked him tonight...oh wait, that's Sarah with the big smile! ;)

SNOW!!!! Living in south Georgia, this is as good as it gets! Gabe & Madeline got to go have a quick look but then we had to take cover and escape the snow pit before one of us ended up with a black eye!

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And why might we have ended up with a black eye?!? Because not only was Kate throwing snowballs, but every other big and little kid in the snow pit! It was like a war zone - and those things hurt!

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And when the snow started blowing out the tubes - Kate wanted up close! Jon did his best to cover both their heads and went into the danger zone!

Finally getting Kate out of the snow pit and clearly hiding something in her dress, I asked her what she had. Her response, "nothing." Just then she pulled out her snowball and threw it at our buddy Dave! :)

The had a little craft corner set up where Kate loved making a homemade bird/squirel feeder.

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The finished product!

Kate also made this little gingerbread man.

Then, while Kate, Daddy, & Dave headed off to the bounce house/slide, Sarah & I took Gabe & Madeline to see the Bubble Man!

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While listening to carolers on stage and still waiting for Kate to catch back up with us, Gabe enjoyed every lick of his candy cane. Thanks Santa!!!

Kate & The boys

Finally - the main event! Santa raised his magic torch and the lights are ON! Immediately following the tree lighting was a beautiful display of fireworks - that didn't scare Gabe!!!

Jekyll Island

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Riding back to the car in style! These two are best buds these days!

Happy Thanksgiving!

From our family to yours:

We want to wish you all a VERY Happy Thanksgiving!!!

After watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, we loaded up the kids and headed for our Family Thanksgiving Feast at my Aunt Deanna's house! I bought the kids these cute little hats...which they wore for all of 5 minutes! :)

Me & my little pilgrim!

And one very special part of the day...we finally got to meet our new cousin ZANE!!!




The kids had so much fun! Here are a few pictures of the cousins - Kate, Gabe, Hannah, & Zane! Just think, if it's fun this year, how much more fun will it be next year with 4 walking/running little ones! Family gatherings are getting better each year! And we love that Kate & Gabe get to grow up with their cousins!!! (Carrie, Nathan, & Andrew - we will see you soon too!)

Playing with Uncle Lane & Granny Annie

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But amidst all the fun and laughter comes this picture. :( Gabe wanted on the porch but as soon as grandma lifted him over he was crushed! Poor thing....

The cousins!!!

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Finally - Time to Eat!!!

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But, despite all the yummy food, Gabe pushed it aside for his favorite....milk in a bottle! Any advice from you moms out there on how to break him of this and reduce his milk intake WITHOUT him crying/whining all day?????

Yeah - Pumpkin Pie!!!!

Just before going home the kids were tired, but still 'All Smiles!'

We have so much to thank God for: our children, an amazing family, great friends, the list could go on and on! We are so blessed to have each and every one of you in our lives!!!!

Walking with Dinosaurs LIVE!!!!

Tonight we were all so excited to head to Jacksonville for DINOSAURS!!!! Ryan, we talked about you several times tonight. After the show Kate asked if she could come back tomorrow with Ryan. :) This "experience" was truly amazing! The dinosaurs looked incredibly real and BOTH kids loved this show! Kate intently watched every second and even Gabe sat and watched almost the entire performance without moving!

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When we entered the arena, this is what we saw.....

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Kate was so excited and Gabe was mesmerized!

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The babies hatched and the show began.

Truly incredible show!

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During intermission Gabe had fun falling with Grandma. :) He's becomming quite silly!

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At the end the giant T-Rex and baby came out. Then it all ended with a meteor. WOW!!! This will go down as one of our favorite shows!

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We weren't allowed to video, but of course I was able to find LOTS of videos on YouTube. This one combined several different scenes so that you guys can sort of experience how amazing this show is! (Pause the music on the right to hear the videos better)

The T-REX!!!

Okay, so this was a small paper statue, but the kids had fun with it after the show!

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In the parking lot, Kate gave us her interpretation of the T-Rex!






Then, because we were all having so much fun...and forgot to take Kate to the potty before leaving....we stopped at Krystal for milkshakes! Kate wanted a pink one of course. :)

Gabe enjoyed a milkshake too!

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