Cookies!!!

On Monday, we were invited to my friend, Dawn's house for a cookie baking/decorating get together. We had a great time and it was fun to visit with everyone in a non-school environment!

I just simply LOVE this picture of Hunter - he was playing peek-a-boo with me while enjoying a cookie and I snapped the pic at just the right time....

It was great to have Jeanne, Josie, and Jake join us since she was off work!

Avery and Trever getting things started at the cookie table....

On Tuesday we were invited over to Gus's Aunt Marylu's house for more cookie decorating fun with the kids' cousins. She had dozens of cookies baked and everything set up are ready to roll when we got there. The kids had fun - Avery and Katie did the most, but they all enjoyed playing together and taking rides on the four-wheeler with Mimi (Katrina).

Hunter carefully placing the sprinkles on his cookies...

Meagan had fun but got bored pretty quickly...

Cousins Katie and Trinity with Aunt Marylu. Marylu is quite the artist on her cookies - I told her that hers were too pretty to eat!

Can't wait to leave these yummy treats out for Santa tonight! I'm sure he'll love them!

Friends are the Family you choose for yourself.....

Last night we celebrated Christmas with my two closest friends, Hannah and Sabrina, and our families. We had a fabulous time as you'll see from all of the pictures. I know there's alot, but I had a hard time narrowing them down!

Meagan and Dylan playing so great together....

I got Hannah and Sabrina a beautiful ornament that said "A friend loves at all times" (Proverbs) and their names. They LOVED them!!!

John and Whitney had a great time with all of the paper, bags, and bows...

My little Elf! I know she's mine, but dang, she's cute!!

The kids enjoying each other's company. Avery wasn't there because she was at a friend's house who is moving later this week and that was the only time they could get together.

Enjoying some yummy dinner together...

Miss Brina and Meagan...

"I saw Mommy kissing Santa Clause......"

Hunter really enjoyed the train running around the tree. Guess we should get one of those for our house.

After dinner and presents, we headed outside by the fire to hang out and enjoy an outdoor movie. Oh, and of course, we roasted some marshmellows!

The kids loved the outdoor theater and watched Mickey's Very Merry Christmas movie...

Of course, the girls loved dressing up and surprised us with a reindeer and Santa performance!

Some sweet,silly little girls......

We had a delightful time with our dear friends. We're already planning next year's get together which will probably include a ride on the Polar Express train over in Eustis. Should be fun! Hannah and Sabrina - Love you and your families so much! Thanks for a great evening!

Roman "Festivus for the Rest of us"

To finish out our amazing Fall semester of Co-op, we had a Roman Feast. We tried to be as authentic as possible and our menu included lamb, chicken, grapes, artichokes, olives, bread and peppers. We used some of the kids' projects to decorate like their standards and columns.

Our dear friend Miss Jill made my girls stollas to wear. They had so much fun dressing up!

All of the kids loved lounging and eating on pillows and blankets on the floor......

What a good looking group! We even had a gladiator join us (Trever!)

All of the Dads were able to join us which made the night even more special. Can't wait for our Spring co-op of Medieval times!

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas!!

The Christmas season is in full swing around our house and I just wanted to share a few pics with my loyal blog readers! I am happy that I have my cards mailed out and have a pretty good chunk of my shopping done. It has greatly cut down on my holiday stress level this year!
It is our tradition to bake cookies while we decorate the tree and the girls had a great time doing so. Meagan mixing up her special cookies ....

Avery helping with a batch of peanut butter chocolate chip ones...

Hunter loves playing with (and measuring!) our Little People Nativity set...

The girls love looking through all the ornaments and putting their own on the tree. I have bought ornaments for each of them every year as well as a family one each year too. I don't have a fancy-themed/department store tree, but I LOVE all the memories and wouldn't have it any other way!

Hunter helped with a few of the ornaments but was mostly just content to eat cookies!!

I went ahead and gave the girls their Christmas PJ's (another tradition) so they could enjoy them all month. I found these really sweet gowns with matching doll-sized ones included at Kohl's for half price! They LOVED them and I can't wash them fast enough for them to wear again!

Hope all of you are enjoying your holidays so far and remember the Reason for the Season!!

Thanksgiving Week in GA

We had a great week at my parents' house once again. We ate good food, went shopping, saw New Moon, Gus and I had a date night, and watched a bunch of great movies at home, too.

Nana getting lots of love from Hunter...

Avery and her Great Grandparents on Thanksgiving day...

Gus getting the turkeys prepped for the fryer - OH, YEAH!!...

The kids looked so cute in their matching outfits on Wed - I could hardly stand it!

Our four-legged friend, Roscoe - love that dog!!

Uncle Greg, Gus and I hanging out in the kitchen...

Aunt Toni and Mom catching up...

The girls loved playing with my cousin, Ben. He kept them entertained all day! Meagan said "He's my best friend."

Dig in, Hunter!

We all enjoyed playing with our newest family member - my cousin Jamie's daughter, Mallory...

Of course, it's always hard to say goodbye, but we will look forward to the next time we're all together!

American Girl '09

We made our annual mecca to the AG store in Atlanta once again on the day before Thanksgiving. We had tons of fun just being girls! My grandmother met us there as well as my sister Jill.

Me and my girls - just love these two so much!!

One of the cute displays set up in the store - they really know how to make you want to buy it all!

My Grannie Harper - she has always loved dolls and collected them, so that makes having her there extra special. The girls are holding their new treasures - Meagan got the mini Kaya doll and Avery bought the Kirsten doll with her own money she had been saving. She got the last one in the store!

Aunt Lisa, Avery and Kirsten at lunch

Me and Jill

Avery was so excited about her new doll!

I have to give props to the AG bistro this time for accommodating Meagan's allergies! They had special gluten free hot dog and hamburger buns so Meagan had both of those with fries and was happy as could be! Way to go AG!!

Can't wait to do it again next year! My cousin Jamie, her daughter Mallory and my Aunt Toni (Jamie's mom) are supposed to join in the tradition!

Chocolate Birthday Surprise

To celebrate Hannah's 33rd birthday in a special way, Sabrina and I planned a little surprise chocolate indulgance! She knew we were up to something but we kept trying to tell her Sabrina and I were taking her to Johnny Rockets for dinner. I picked the birthday girl up and everyone else met us there. She was really surprised!!


The whole gang - Hannah's mom, Nancy is behind Laurie - sorry we can't see you too well!

You know Sabrina thoroughly enjoyed the licking of the chocolate!!

Wow - Angela and Heather look super cute in those hats and aprons - maybe a part time job, girls?!!

Hannah and Laurie

Me and the birthday girl - we've spent many birthdays together but this was one of the best!!