I have been such a slacker when it comes to blogging this past year. I actually was/am thinking of stopping but then I keep remembering that life is short and memories and words can be sweet to look back on later and for others to look back on. So I'll keep trying.
Christmas this year was in Bham with my parents. It was a great time- it is SO SO SO much nicer now that Hampton is sleeping better at night. Naps a different story- he took all of his naps in the car- yes we drove him around until he fell asleep and then my dad would sit in the front seat in my parents drive way while Hampton napped. I knew we had become a little too comfortable with this situation when my mom would take my dad out a cup of coffee to enjoy while he sat and waited for Hampton to wake up. We were a little bummed that my brother Trent and his wife Eleanor wouldn't be in town- they skipped out and went on a tropical vacation for 10 days! I don't think they missed us one bit! Uncle T is always a highlight for my boys...
This Christmas was really special because Jenn and Vanessa were both home with their babies. It was SO fun to get to see them each day- even on Christmas Day. Holidays are different without Ms. Holly and Mrs. Wilson around. My best friends though sure are strong and really step into that role of the mother. It was a JOY to see them and be there with them during Christmas.
Baby Joy. Love her. So glad one of us had a girl :)
One of my favorite traditions that we do in Birmingham at Christmas time is go to my parents church's Children's Service. The children all dress up as something from the nativity and then tell the story of Jesus' birth. As they tell the story they call up the part- Hampton actually went up first.
Playing in the Nativity outside of church while we waited for the service to start
Getting brother dressed
This is during the service- both boys stayed on the alter and exchanged sweet loves.
Can you tell someone is LOVING it?
Bradford waiting for them to call the shepherds up- his little lamb brother had already gotten to go up on the stage
My high school friends got together too- TWICE. Once for a playdate with the kiddos and once for a night out! We were missing 3 kids and two moms below. Also two are expecting and one is adopting so soon the total will be up to 15 kids! Thinking next time we will have to go to a big open field.
So thankful for our Christmas in Birmingham. My mom and dad were such troopers and went right along with whatever we/the boys wanted to do! Below is a highlight of all of the fun we had!
B and Ranger in the "dark room" playing with their new toys. #twopeasinapod
Picture of the boys in the outfits mom made- the Jumper was originally worn by Little B his first Christmas!
Someone loved this.
Sweet times with Ranger.
Drawing dinosaurs
H got a farm
B got a fire station
Yummy lunch compliments of Ma C and Big Bradford. My mom's squash casserole is the best out there. Big B made collards for he and my dad.
Picture of the boys in the car- it is a 10 hour car ride- they did pretty well- the last couple of hours were rough. There and back.
My BF from high school, Laurie Ann, came by one night to meet Hampton since they couldn't make the play date. I am a little obsessed with her girls. They are so beautiful inside and out. Just like their mama.
I think H and MC look alike but I couldn't quite capture a picture to show that.
The day after Christmas we headed to Gadsden to see my grandad- my dad's dad. We met up at Cracker Barrell.
On the 27th we headed down to the country and dropped off Daddy to go hunting with his buddies for a few days. After spending time with Mimi and Grandaddy we headed to Daphne to get some time with Soos.
Boys- just sit still once..
A little better.
I am so thankful we got to see all of the great grandparents on this trip. We wish we were closer and could soak up the sweet time we have left with them.
Have I mentioned I eat, breathe, sleep, watch, play, act, cuddle, and roar dinosaurs?
