Winding Up 2010...

Christmas is over and the New Year has came and what a time we had celebrating each other over the holiday season. Papa and I were lucky enough to be off of work December 24th through January 2, so we were able to spend that time as a family really soaking in the season and forming great memories and traditions. I must say, this holiday went very smoothly. No large tantrums or complaints. Everyone was very thankful for what they were given and I think the kids really got a kick out of giving their gifts to others. I know I really enjoyed myself and my time with the kids and Bob. Here's a run through of our break together...

Of course, Christmas Eve was met with great expectations. We headed to Babushka and Dedushka's house for Chili and Cookies and Cream Pie. A huge house with kids piled in every corner, loud Christmas music blaring from the T.V., so much food we ran out of places to put it all, now that's Christmas!! However, I have no pictures! I remembered everything, extra batteries and all except for my memory card! D'oh! Luckily, we had gotten my mom a digital camera for Christmas (bringing her slowly into the 20th century (insert smile here), so she has several fuzzy pictures of her fingers and a few of the kids to remember the day by.

Getting a late start home that evening, we ran into a fussy little miss who quickly was able to change her attitude after spotting what seemed to be Santa following above us in his sleigh. So, after setting out cupcakes and milk for Santa and a quick rendition of "The Night Before Christmas", the kids headed to bed to.

At 4:30, Elvis (our Red Nose Hound) had to go potty. Imagine my groggy-eyed surprise when I spotted this...

...the first white Christmas in 17 years for TN!! Many of our fellow southern states actually received a white surprise on Christmas. I know it's not much compared to other snow fall amounts, but still. It only adds to the magic of the day.

One quick pic and...

They dived full force into the things left for them from Santa. It seems that perhaps cupcakes earn you a little more favor than cookies. Colton wants to leave pizza and Dr. Pepper next year to see if he likes that even more!! Goofy guy!

Colton proudly displaying his Fushigi ball

Aizley showing off her big bike Santa left for her

Colton opening his Spongebob DVD player

Aizley opening her new bed comforter. She thinks it is soooo cool!

Even Papa was overjoyed with his gift from Colton

...the title says it all (snicker)

After playing with our new gifts and cleaning up a little, we headed down Nana's for Christmas dinner consisting of brisket and all the trimmings. Yum Yum! That's a good enough gift in itself.

Here are the kids with cousin Treyton piggin' out!


After dinner, of course comes PRESENTS!!

Treyton and Colton tearing into their gifts from Nana...

Aizley pausing just a moment...


Sunday, held more family time. After dressing in our Sunday best...

(what cuties?!)

we headed to Grandmother Jodie's house. This is her 90th Christmas. We keep that get together very low key but she loves seeing the kids and always gives them a 5 in a card. It's a little tradition that all the kids look forward to.

We all enjoyed our Christmas together, getting to see family that lives out of town, meeting new members of the family and future family members. We didn't want the remainder of the week to be spent lounging around the house the entire time, so we decided to do a little something every day. We played in the snow, cooked lots of foods, put up all of Aizley's new room decor, cleaned out Colton's closet, etc. We even got the Christmas decorations put away, all by Tuesday evening. So on Wednesday, we headed back to...

The kids absolutely love this place. They run around for hours trying to find crazy things hidden in the rocks and the caves. I love going because I always get great pics of the kids in their "real" smiles.

Like this beauty...

and this handsome little dude...

I even got caught in an amazing background shot overlooking 7 states atop the falls

The hall of colors

Just posin'



Since we had gotten there early, we decided to see what else we could get into. We ended up finding this awesome park located just down from the Aquarium. Inside the park, we found the Chattanooga Zoo. We thought we would check it out since I found coupons for kids free entrance. Turns out, on Wednesdays admission is just a dollar!! Wow!! For $4, we got in an hour and a half of really neat fun and could have stayed longer if it wasn't for the fact that the zoo closed at 5.

At the Chimps exhibit, one of the females had just delivered a baby so the whole zoo was up in a buzz.

These pretty birds were all excited about something. They were almost to loud to get close to. Colton was holding his ears walking by their cage.

Colton was amazed at how this raccoon would gather water in his hands first before drinking. He was very sweet.

I loved the peacocks.

Aizley loved the petting zoo. This goat followed her around like a little dog. You can see him sticking out his tongue. The kids thought it was too funny!

This bird, however, was their favorite! He was so mad he would run to the window and peck at the glass causing the kids to jump back every time.

We definitely plan on going back during warmer weather.

Friday, we had cousin Treyton up for a New Year's Eve Party. The kids played games and ate brownies all evening. Things kind of quieted down around 11 and this is what I found...

They tried but despite the caffeine and chocolate high, they couldn't make it. So, at 12 am, I got my New Year's kiss from my party animal.

I pray you all had a wonderful holiday and that 2011 brings many blessings your way.

Happy New Year!!