So Long 2023

 Oh what a wonderful December this has been! We enjoyed celebrating here with our family. We  traveled to Lindsey’s for Christmas Eve and hurried back to stop by Caleb’s Christmas morning. We have been very busy, but feel so very blessed. God has been so good to us. We had all 5 grandkids here this week-I will share more on that later.  The big ones have headed to the beach for the weekend.  The little ones will be back tomorrow.

Christmas at our house-building forts, playing games, cooking, and more!

I love watching them open their presents!

The big kids got into the action too!

I love my people

John Sawyer is our latest to love hunting!  Please don't tell him that he is hunting with an unloaded pellet gun.

Maddie enjoyed working with Pop one day.  I am pretty sure that it made Pop's day to have her.

Reindeer craft time!

Laser tag!  Maddie is still undergoing physical therapy on her ankle and Reed has a broken finger, so we had to limit our excursions on this trip.  No ice skating for us this year.

I love them so!

It seems like a really long time ago, but I enjoyed attending John Sawyer's Christmas party.

Another fun day on the hill!

Christmas at Highlands was a wonderful experience.  I hope we make this an annual event.

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve at Lindsey's.

After the big kids opened their gifts, we headed back to see John Sawyer and Jack before they left for the Hall's. Among many other things, Santa brought these two a Mario and Bowser car.  Oh what fun!!

Bless it!  I have no words!

The decorations are packed away, but the memories will remain forever.  The little ones will be here for more adventures next week. That will be lots of fun.  We have so enjoyed church parties, suppers, outings and events, but I am ready to to enjoy a little down time. What  a wonderful Christmas!

Happy New Year!

What a Day!

 Many, many years ago Mrs Myrtle Ruth Alexander and Mrs Mary Frances Noland informed us that it was time for the “young ladies” to form their own circle, and boy am I glad that they did. Many of my best memories have been made with the people in this group. We simply have a ball when we get together. 

So many laughs!! Don’t let that sweet Lauri fool you-she’s vicious in a game of Dirty Santa! 

So much fun!

We also take care of business, learn and share about Jesus and enjoy being together. There is only a little bit of  stealing, a little plotting strategy, and a lot of laughter! 

I could not love them more! So many memories! 

We actually began the day across the state. Maddie was in a Christmas play. This was a little bit out of her comfort zone, but she did a great job. We loved seeing this side of her. After the play, we hurried home to get ready for the party. 

Merry Christmas!

Making Memories

 December has already been filled with so many wonderful occasions, and it's just getting started. I love this time of the year even with all the hustle and bustle. We were once again blessed to host my family for a Christmas gathering. We had several not here due to the flu, a wedding and other commitments, but we still had such a wonderful time! I am including part of a text that I received from our sweet Kathy that couldn't be here.  I think it describes the day perfectly.

I thought of y’all so many times during the day. I could almost picture all the family coming in with food and hugging each other.  Then I could see y’all all around that beautiful back patio area eating and visiting .  Then… all the picture taking and hugs when it was time to leave.  I had planned to FaceTime so I could see everyone, but I was scared I’d cry.  

We are blessed beyond measure to have such a wonderful family. So many have gone before us, and I think that is what makes these gatherings so very special.

 What a crew! (Where are you Anne?)

Santa and Mrs. Claus made the day extra special.

Naughty or nice?

So much fun!  Michael and Gerald-my twin uncles, Jean, Doris, Anne, Bethany, Taylor and Cassandra

My People-I was assured that we all made the nice list!

Football, games, catching up, and more!

Lots of great food!

Sure do love these two!

I had some pretty great help with the dressing!

Could he possibly be more precious?

Yummy!

Pop offered a helping hand, too.

These kiddos enjoyed another visit with Santa.

Tammy and I enjoyed a trip to Elf with the boys.

The Hanging of the Green is always one of my favorite services at church.  Carson gave Jack a helping hand to place an ornament up high.

So sweet!

Bless Jack!  At least John Sawyer was all smiles before we headed to church!

We enjoyed the town Christmas parade, and serving hot chocolate afterwards.

Once again, Pop and Caleb put the lights on the town Christmas tree.  I'm not going to lie-we always hold our breath when the countdown begins.  It's a wonderful feeling when those lights come on!

My favorite elf!

Oh Christmas Tree!

This week is filled with more events, and I truly can't wait.  

Merry Christmas!