The comings and goings of the fab four

So the neverending holiday season seems to have reached it’s grand finale today. My family left this morning, which marked the end of approximately 10 days of festivities. Emily and Kevin were able to come down with mom and dad, they all arrived last Thursday. We hung out, the boys played golf, we watched some football, and I spent a lot of time in combat with the virus that is raging on my computer… We also celebrated Miles’ first birthday yesterday with a cake, a few little gifts, and cake. And there was some cake. Did I mention the cake? It was big. And about half of it is sitting over on my counter right now. It’s pretty tasty, though.

And now, for the pictures.

So the neverending holiday season seems to have reached it’s grand finale today. My family left this morning, which marked the end of approximately 10 days of festivities. Emily and Kevin were able to come down with mom and dad, they all arrived last Thursday. We hung out, the boys played golf, we watched some football, and I spent a lot of time in combat with the virus that is raging on my computer… We also celebrated Miles’ first birthday yesterday with a cake, a few little gifts, and cake. And there was some cake. Did I mention the cake? It was big. And about half of it is sitting over on my counter right now. It’s pretty tasty, though.

And now, for the pictures.

So the neverending holiday season seems to have reached it’s grand finale today. My family left this morning, which marked the end of approximately 10 days of festivities. Emily and Kevin were able to come down with mom and dad, they all arrived last Thursday. We hung out, the boys played golf, we watched some football, and I spent a lot of time in combat with the virus that is raging on my computer… We also celebrated Miles’ first birthday yesterday with a cake, a few little gifts, and cake. And there was some cake. Did I mention the cake? It was big. And about half of it is sitting over on my counter right now. It’s pretty tasty, though.

And now, for the pictures.

Wow, it is hard to believe that it is Christmas Day! We have had a wonderful few days. Lydia finished up her week at school on Wednesday with their Christmas pageant. She was chosen to be the angel in the play (calling it a play might be a stretch, she was dressed like an angel, standing on stage…). She did a GREAT job and looked like a doll. So she pretended like her star was a lolipop an started licking it at one point, but at least she respected the sanctity of the baby Jesus, unlike some of her friends that were dumping hay all over Him. We were thinking that one was going to run off with the baby Jesus at one point, but he managed to stay put in his manger. One little girl cried the entire time. It was kind of hillarious.

After school, we left for the long trip up to NC to visit the Fergusons. Hope, Andy and Savannah were all able to be there, too, but we arrived a few days before they did. We were able to see Lauren and Jack, which was the most fun! Lydia and Jack had an absolute blast. They have so much in common – a love of running wild, being terribly picky eaters, and of course a shared love for chocolate and donuts. They ran wild through Lauren and Jay’s house, ate donuts and chocolate and talked. Miles climbed the stairs the entire time. Perfect. We also got to stop by and see Allison & Alden and exchange gifts.

So back to the Fergusons, the kids really had a great time together, and we had our first real Christmas with family in several years. I know now why I missed it so much! We went to Cherryville on Saturday and visited with Mawmaw an Pawpaw. Lydia enjoyed playing the organ, and running through their house. No one else was there, and they had to go to a wedding, so it was a quick visit. Probably lucky for them. We did the Grand Ferguson Event on Saturday night at Mama B & Grandaddy’s house. It was fantastic. Everyone except Matt was there – he is a fancy weatherman in Virginia, so he had to work – we had so much fun visiting with everyone. We left Sunday afternoon (we couldn’t pick Prancer up from the kennel until 4, so it was a night drive). The drive is getting old very quickly… I am very over it and ready for the magical BoA Gods to bestow a job in Charlotte upon Robert. So keep praying.

We spent yesterday making trips to the store (or Robert did, should I say). He went three times, I believe. We tried to pick up and do laundry and get back into the swing of being at home… you know how that goes. I got to go for a long run, so I was a happy girl. We got everyone pumped about Santa, and spent the evening last night watching a movie and enjoying being at home.

Santa DID visit us, and even left goodies in Miles’ stocking – we were a little concerned that he would only get coal seeing that he has been screaming and throwing fits for the better part of the last month. However, Santa is a generous, merry fellow, and graced both of our children with his goodness. Lydia received a fantastic dollhouse, and some books & little toys. Miles will now be earning his keep by mowing the lawn with his new lawn mower. Both kids received shiny Sigg water bottles, so no more worrying about yucky BPAs. At least from their cups!

We spent today hanging out and playing. Our friends Kerry and Ryan came over this morning with their brand new baby Tommy. It was Robert and my first time meeting him – he was a doll. They let me squeeze on him for a while, and I hopefully got the baby fix out of my system. He is fantastic! Kerry is the skinniest postpartum person EVER – she is already in her old clothes – TWO WEEKS out. Unbelievable. We were happy to spend Christmas morning with such special friends. We sat out on the porch and let the kids play this afternoon, then took a walk. Just lots of nothing. Robert goes back to work tomorrow, Mom and dad, Emily & Kevin arrive on Thursday. More fun is still in store!

And .25 for whoever can tell which of these pictures were taken with my old camera vs. the new camera. I don’t think I’ve been so excited since my dear departed Fuji arrived in May. I am well on the way to recovery with my fantastic new Canon.