Bowling over Birthdays!

We celebrated our friend, Matt, as he turned 5! He had a "spidey" fun birthday party at the bowling alley. This was Ava's first time bowling. She was very hesitant at first in the dark, but she quickly warmed up and was soon fighting the other kids for a turn. I think this is a fun time we will have to put on our summer time "to do" list!

Christmas Morning

This year for Christmas, Ava wanted TWO things: a Snow White dress and a scooter... Whew! Glad Santa got that one right!







And, she had to put the dress on BEFORE we could even look at the other pretty boxes. Actually, she wore it to church before coming home to open gifts!






Uncle Dave and our sweet nephew, Brady (who, bless his heart is still called "baby" Brady by Ava after almost 9 months)...

Christmas Eve family dinner

This year we celebrated a beautiful Christmas Eve on the lake at my Aunt and Uncle's house. Ava had a blast getting reacquainted with some cousins and enjoying the fall like temperatures outside. It even looked a little like fall with all the leaves laying on the ground. Much different look than we have at home for sure. Ava got to jump on the trampoline with her cousins...Dax, Brooke, Riley, and Halle....it was a big deal to her that the trampoline was outside. She got a smaller one for Christmas that hangs out in our basement.










This was our first time meeting my cousin's youngest son, Riley! He was a doll and so much fun to play with.





All the cousins hanging out on the stairs...wonder what Mr. Dax and Miss Ava are up to??








Here's my dad. Pawpaw always has the job of carving the meat. He's done it so many years, he's definitely a PRO!!




Riley getting some grubbs from Aunt Libby :)



There's nothing like a Christmas in the south. I love the butter beans, corn, corn bread dressing, ham, turkey, fried oysters...oh, my belly hurts just thinking about it all! YUM!! I hope that each of you were blessed to spend a happy holiday with your family.

Bellingrath Gardens Magic Christmas

When I lived in Mobile, AL my favorite place on Earth was Bellingrath Gardens. It is a very majestic place to me and gave me such strength and peace when I most needed it. Every season yields a new blooming flower and every Christmas is the "Magical Christmas in Lights". I've always wanted to take my family there. This year was that time. BUT...welcome to Christmas in the South... 73 degrees, humid, and FOGGY!!

;

Wheels of my own...

Ava had biggest surprise waiting for her when we came home from looking at Christmas lights...She got a big girl bike from Nana and Pawpaw and it was sitting under the Christmas tree ready to take that first lap {around the kitchen}.





YES, I think it is a hit!! Thanks Nana and Pawpaw!

Special fun with Nana

Once I relized what a tired girl I had...I marched her off to get a bath {under Nana's supervision}



THIS is what I found when I followed laughing and giggles coming from the bathroom :')

Merry Christmas! Family Photo

Merry Christmas! May the Lord bless you with peace through the holiday season and into the coming year! We love you all!