I cannot believe today is the last day of 2010. This has been such an incredible year for our family, and it has been full of many blessings. First, Ryan and I had the chance to visit an Eskimo village in Arctic Alaska where we fell in love with the people there. We look forward to building our relationship with them in future trips as we continue to share the love of Christ with them. We think about them and pray for them daily. This trip changed both of us for the better, and we feel so blessed to have had this opportunity. In addition to this amazing trip (and the train trip to Denali and Mount McKinley afterwards), we also were able to take trips to Orlando (just Ryan and me), Disney World, Gulf Shores, Birmingham, Jefferson City (Tennessee) and New Smyrna Beach. Of course, we have had lots of fun around Atlanta too! This has been a fun-filled year for us.
Besides all the fun going here and there throughout the year, Ryan and I have loved watching the girls continue to grow up. I can't believe Lily turned 4 and Mia turned 2! They amaze us every single day with their new skills, words, etc. While playing on the zoo's playground today, I laughingly said to Lily "When did you become such a big girl?" to which she replied "Don't you remember? It was when I turned four." Maybe so! We are so head over heels in love with these girls! I love to read past blog entries from time to time, and I get such a kick out of reading about what they were doing even just a few months ago. It's crazy how quickly they are growing up! I can't even begin to imagine what they will be like a year from now.
Of course, Ryan and I have worked hard over the last year to grow our accounting business. We feel so fortunate to have this family business that allows us so much time with the girls and provides financial blessings. We have big plans for continuing to grow the business in 2011. We also appreciate all the help we receive from our families, especially our moms. We couldn't have the work/life balance we have without you, and saying "thank you" will never be enough!
This has been such an amazing year, and we look forward to all that the Lord has planned for us in 2011. We wish all who read this many blessings too!
Friday, December 31, 2010
New Years Eve
What a wonderful December 31! Our office was closed today, so this morning, the four of us visited the zoo. We have an annual membership here, but we don't get to go a lot during the winter because it is usually too cold to be out for a long time. This morning though was beautiful! The temperature was in the low 50's, and there were virtually no clouds in the sky. To top it off, there was hardly anyone else there, so we were able to just walk around and enjoy. Here are some pictures of the fun we had.
Mia wanted to try too. She's a cutie too!
Taking it in from a higher vantage point.
My two favorite kangaroos.
Mia getting a lift to see the tiny monkeys. We had never seen this exhibit before, so it was fun to stumble upon these and see something new.
The girls really just wanted to play on the playground most of the time, so we only visited the animals for a little bit before heading over. Lily was ready for the see-saw!
She loves climbing this vine.
Having fun together.
Lily tried the rope wall today and enjoyed it. I love this new found courage she has discovered over the last few months.
Mia loves the twisty slide!
We rode the carousel a couple of times too. First they rode on panda bears and then on elephants. Both had a blast!
After the carousel we rode on the little train. It's not terribly exciting, but the girls had a good time. They both thought the tunnels were pretty cool, and they enjoyed riding past the petting zoo too. Mia wanted to hold Ryan's hand the whole time which was really sweet.
What a great way to spend the last day of 2010!
Lily loves sticking her head in these kind of pictures. She makes a cute elephant don't you think?
Mia wanted to try too. She's a cutie too!
Taking it in from a higher vantage point.
My two favorite kangaroos.
Mia getting a lift to see the tiny monkeys. We had never seen this exhibit before, so it was fun to stumble upon these and see something new.
The girls really just wanted to play on the playground most of the time, so we only visited the animals for a little bit before heading over. Lily was ready for the see-saw!
She loves climbing this vine.
Having fun together.
Lily tried the rope wall today and enjoyed it. I love this new found courage she has discovered over the last few months.
Mia loves the twisty slide!
We rode the carousel a couple of times too. First they rode on panda bears and then on elephants. Both had a blast!
After the carousel we rode on the little train. It's not terribly exciting, but the girls had a good time. They both thought the tunnels were pretty cool, and they enjoyed riding past the petting zoo too. Mia wanted to hold Ryan's hand the whole time which was really sweet.
What a great way to spend the last day of 2010! Tuesday, December 28, 2010
White Christmas!
Can you believe we had a White Christmas this year?! How fun! It didn't really pick up until Saturday afternoon, and it didn't appear that it was going to stick. However, when we woke up Sunday morning, we had a very nice surprise. Here's a picture of our home all covered in snow.
The girls couldn't wait to bundle up and go out to play. I know this sounds silly, but it was really cold outside! Sometimes it feels nice outside even though there is snow to play in, but not this time. We only stayed out about 10 minutes because it was so cold!
Lily also had fun throwing snowballs!
This is mostly what we saw of Mia. She just kept running all around!
Trying to get a picture of the two girls isn't always easy!
Our play time was short, but it was fun. Who doesn't love a little fun in the snow?
The girls couldn't wait to bundle up and go out to play. I know this sounds silly, but it was really cold outside! Sometimes it feels nice outside even though there is snow to play in, but not this time. We only stayed out about 10 minutes because it was so cold!
Lily couldn't wait to start playing. She and I had fun playing tag as we ran around the yard.
Lily also had fun throwing snowballs!
This is mostly what we saw of Mia. She just kept running all around!
Trying to get a picture of the two girls isn't always easy!
Our play time was short, but it was fun. Who doesn't love a little fun in the snow?Even More Christmas Fun
We let the Christmas fun continue into the 26th. We were expecting the whole family from Birmingham to come, but sickness sidelined most of them. We were glad Bama was able to make it though (especially with all the yummy leftovers she brought us!). As we were eating dinner, I said "how about we finish dinner, exchange presents with Bama and then take a bubble bath so you guys can play with your new bath toy?" Lily put her fork down and said "What?" She couldn't believe there were more presents to come!
We let Bama open her present first because we were so excited about it. I love this look of total disbelief on her face. Isn't it priceless?!
We gave Liz a frame with three pictures in it. The top one is Liz and Lily riding Dumbo, the bottom one is Liz and Mia riding Dumbo and the middle one is Liz and Ryan riding Dumbo when they went in 1980 for Ryan's 2nd birthday. We put a mini frame around the middle picture with 1980 written on the left side and 2010 on the right side. As soon as we knew she was coming to Disney with us, we knew this would be her Christmas gift. She loved it!
The girls waited patiently for Bama to open her gift, but then they were ready to tear into their presents. Lily was very excited to receive this matching game from Josh!
Mia having a blast with her new scooter from Bama!
Lily was beyond thrilled when she saw the Cinderella carriage toy from Bama. As soon as she opened it, she said "Ohhh, it's what I always wanted!" She has had so much fun playing with it!
Mia opened the bowling game which is for both girls. They are having a great time with it as they learn to bowl; they are actually playing very nicely with one another as they take turns bowling and setting up the pins.
Mia couldn't wait to get out this Color Wonders finger paint set from Josh. She was so proud as she showed me the picture she painted later.
Amy was so sweet to send each girl a doll and matching blanket; Lily received Tinkerbell while Mia received Belle. Lily slept with Tink and her blanket this evening!
While we hated that the rest of the family couldn't join us as originally planned, we had a lot of fun with Bama. Hopefully we will see everyone else soon, so we can say "thank you!" in person!
We let Bama open her present first because we were so excited about it. I love this look of total disbelief on her face. Isn't it priceless?!
We gave Liz a frame with three pictures in it. The top one is Liz and Lily riding Dumbo, the bottom one is Liz and Mia riding Dumbo and the middle one is Liz and Ryan riding Dumbo when they went in 1980 for Ryan's 2nd birthday. We put a mini frame around the middle picture with 1980 written on the left side and 2010 on the right side. As soon as we knew she was coming to Disney with us, we knew this would be her Christmas gift. She loved it!
The girls waited patiently for Bama to open her gift, but then they were ready to tear into their presents. Lily was very excited to receive this matching game from Josh!
Mia having a blast with her new scooter from Bama!
Lily was beyond thrilled when she saw the Cinderella carriage toy from Bama. As soon as she opened it, she said "Ohhh, it's what I always wanted!" She has had so much fun playing with it!
Mia opened the bowling game which is for both girls. They are having a great time with it as they learn to bowl; they are actually playing very nicely with one another as they take turns bowling and setting up the pins. 
Mia couldn't wait to get out this Color Wonders finger paint set from Josh. She was so proud as she showed me the picture she painted later.
Amy was so sweet to send each girl a doll and matching blanket; Lily received Tinkerbell while Mia received Belle. Lily slept with Tink and her blanket this evening!
While we hated that the rest of the family couldn't join us as originally planned, we had a lot of fun with Bama. Hopefully we will see everyone else soon, so we can say "thank you!" in person! Monday, December 27, 2010
More Christmas Fun
My family has a tradition of doing a delicious brunch on Christmas Day. Last year, we decided to move our gathering time from late morning to evening so all the little ones could be at home on Christmas morning, and no one would be rushed to cook, get everything together, etc. We kept the brunch menu though because it's wonderful! This meal ranks slightly above Hot Dog Day at New Smyrna Beach for me! I brought a sausage-egg casserole and croissant casserole. Meme brought bacon and country ham. Wayne's family brought all the juices and drinks (and their Christmas Day surprise for the kids, their new puppy Lucy who is adorable!). Mom prepared the garlic cheese grits and apple cranberry casserole. Oh, it was so good! I'm already looking forward to next year's meal.
After dinner, we took a few minutes to clean up before moving on to open presents. The kids had a great time playing together while they waited. Aren't Zac and Mia so cute?
Hey Zac, think they'll notice if we each open one?
Lily adores McKayla and Molly, and she loves any opportunity to hang out with them.
Such a happy little girl!
Lily showing off one of the new rooms for her doll house. She told me later this evening that her favorite gift she had received all day were "the extra rooms for my doll house." Not the doll house itself, but the extra rooms. Interesting.
I love this picture of Molly's face! She was so excited to get a Rapunzel doll from my parents.
A beautiful fleece for a beautiful girl. This will look great on McKayla.
Ripping into her gift.
We had a great time with my family celebrating Christmas. We always have fun when we get together; add the wonderful dinner to it and you have a fantastic evening!
After dinner, we took a few minutes to clean up before moving on to open presents. The kids had a great time playing together while they waited. Aren't Zac and Mia so cute?
Hey Zac, think they'll notice if we each open one?
Lily adores McKayla and Molly, and she loves any opportunity to hang out with them.
Such a happy little girl!
Lily showing off one of the new rooms for her doll house. She told me later this evening that her favorite gift she had received all day were "the extra rooms for my doll house." Not the doll house itself, but the extra rooms. Interesting.
I love this picture of Molly's face! She was so excited to get a Rapunzel doll from my parents.
A beautiful fleece for a beautiful girl. This will look great on McKayla.
Ripping into her gift.
We had a great time with my family celebrating Christmas. We always have fun when we get together; add the wonderful dinner to it and you have a fantastic evening! Christmas Morning
Christmas with young kids is so much fun! We had such a wonderful Christmas, and I hope you did too. When we put Lily to bed on Christmas Eve, I wasn't sure she would make it through the night. First, she had a cough that had been waking her up at night for several nights in a row. Second, she was so excited about Santa coming! We told her not to get out of bed because Santa's magic disappears if she comes out of her room and sees him. Thankfully, she stayed in her bed all night until 6:22 AM which is when she came into our room. She walked in, looked at Ryan and said "Daddy, let's see if Santa brought any presents!" The three of us got up, decided we would let Mia sleep a little longer and went into the family room.
Here is a picture of Lily catching a glimpse of the gifts from Santa. He left her a beautiful Victorian doll house, and he left Mia a grocery buggy with a few groceries because he knows how much she loves to push things like this around. Lily was thrilled! He also left a small Santa hat for each girl. Lily had asked him to give her a Santa outfit, so we explained he couldn't give an entire outfit, but he was happy to give each of them a hat. She seemed very happy with that.
Lily couldn't wait to start playing with the doll house. It is an eight room house (though it was only partially decorated because she received a few more rooms from my parents later in the day), and it had a mommy, daddy, preschooler girl, toddler girl and twin baby girl and boy. She immediately set about feeding the dolls and pretending they were talking to one another. She was having a lot of fun with it. In fact, she had a great time with it until we finally decided to wake Mia up at 8 AM. Lily was so patient to wait all this time.
Mia came out and was excited to see her buggy and hat. She immediately wanted to put the hat on. She kept calling it a "Ho Ho Hat" because she calls Santa Claus "Ho Ho." She literally wore it all morning. Both girls have worn their hats often since Christmas morning.
Lily received another big surprise this morning...a real bike with training wheels! She saw this huge red bagged package when she came out. She asked Ryan what it was, and he said "Oh that's a present for later." She said okay and moved on to playing with her doll house. However, as the sun started to come out, she started being able to see through the bag. About 8, she came over to me and said "Mommy, I figured out what's in the bag. Do you want me to tell you or keep it a secret?" I told her to keep it a secret. She replied "Okay, but I'm going to hint. It has wheels, pedals, a seat and it's purple." Once we got Mia up and said it was time to open presents, Lily pointed to the big bag and said "That one's mine! Let's open it first!" She was thrilled to receive this bike!
She picked up riding it very quickly. I have a feeling the training wheels will come off soon. We let her ride it around inside the house because it was icy and starting to snow outside.
After opening this one present, we decided to do stockings. Both girls had a lot of fun pulling out all their surprises. They both received a big lollipop, stickers, small coloring book, art supplies (Mia received crayons while Lily received water paints), small book, a new toothbrush and a small toy (Lily received an I Spy card game while Mia received a kaleidoscope). All items were a hit.
Looking at some of their goodies. Mia loves to brush her teeth, so she got caught up looking at her new Winnie the Pooh toothbrush; it took some coaxing to get her to pull out everything else!
Trying to figure out the kaleidoscope.
After all the stocking gifts were opened, we moved on to open gifts. The girls were so surprised and happy with their presents. I love seeing the excitement on their faces when they open their gifts as they anticipate what's inside and then squeal with delight upon opening it. 4 and 2 are definitely fun ages! In addition to her bike and doll house, Lily received a bike helmet and bell, Search & Find books, magnetic princess dress-up dolls, Color Wonder stamps, finger paints and paper and a Joke book. She loves telling jokes, so we got her a book to teach her some real jokes that actually make sense! In addition to her buggy, Mia was excited to receive a toy piano, puzzle, Disney figurine pack, Little People fire truck, basketball goal and Mickey Mouse book set.
Ringing her new bike bell. We have heard this bell a lot since this morning.
Taking a break to play with Mia's new piano.
Slam dunk! 
Yea for a new book!
Can't wait to see what Grandpops and Grandma Jan sent!
Lily loved this flower tiara from Grandpops and Grandma Jan. In fact, she loved all the cool gifts from them. The girls received stickers, jewelry, hair accessories, finger puppets, puzzles, books, tutu and matching purse, fun plate, wooden farm set and lacing set. They had a blast opening all of these awesome gifts!
Talk about an exciting morning! By now, it was about 9 so we ate a little breakfast and had fun playing with all the new toys. Here's a sweet picture of Mia pushing her baby doll around in her new grocery buggy while wearing her "Ho Ho Hat." She was having a lot of fun!
About 10, my parents and Meme came over to visit and see all the girls' goodies. They were more than happy to show everything off to them. However, when it came to picture time, Mia wasn't so cooperative. She was exhausted from being woken up and all the morning's activities.
Lily and Papa had a good time together.
Granna read "Ladybug Girl" from Grandpops and Grandma Jan to Lily. She always loves a good book!
After about 30 minutes, Mom, Dad and Meme were heading out to Wayne's house to visit them too. They invited Lily to go along with them, so she got ready quickly and had a great time with them. A few minutes after they left, we put Mia down for a nap because she was so exhausted. Ryan and I were able to relax and look through our new goodies too. Once Mia woke up, we had fun playing together and then playing with Lily when she returned. It turned into a very nice, relaxing day for us all.
Here is a picture of Lily catching a glimpse of the gifts from Santa. He left her a beautiful Victorian doll house, and he left Mia a grocery buggy with a few groceries because he knows how much she loves to push things like this around. Lily was thrilled! He also left a small Santa hat for each girl. Lily had asked him to give her a Santa outfit, so we explained he couldn't give an entire outfit, but he was happy to give each of them a hat. She seemed very happy with that.
Lily couldn't wait to start playing with the doll house. It is an eight room house (though it was only partially decorated because she received a few more rooms from my parents later in the day), and it had a mommy, daddy, preschooler girl, toddler girl and twin baby girl and boy. She immediately set about feeding the dolls and pretending they were talking to one another. She was having a lot of fun with it. In fact, she had a great time with it until we finally decided to wake Mia up at 8 AM. Lily was so patient to wait all this time.
Mia came out and was excited to see her buggy and hat. She immediately wanted to put the hat on. She kept calling it a "Ho Ho Hat" because she calls Santa Claus "Ho Ho." She literally wore it all morning. Both girls have worn their hats often since Christmas morning.
Lily received another big surprise this morning...a real bike with training wheels! She saw this huge red bagged package when she came out. She asked Ryan what it was, and he said "Oh that's a present for later." She said okay and moved on to playing with her doll house. However, as the sun started to come out, she started being able to see through the bag. About 8, she came over to me and said "Mommy, I figured out what's in the bag. Do you want me to tell you or keep it a secret?" I told her to keep it a secret. She replied "Okay, but I'm going to hint. It has wheels, pedals, a seat and it's purple." Once we got Mia up and said it was time to open presents, Lily pointed to the big bag and said "That one's mine! Let's open it first!" She was thrilled to receive this bike!
She picked up riding it very quickly. I have a feeling the training wheels will come off soon. We let her ride it around inside the house because it was icy and starting to snow outside.
After opening this one present, we decided to do stockings. Both girls had a lot of fun pulling out all their surprises. They both received a big lollipop, stickers, small coloring book, art supplies (Mia received crayons while Lily received water paints), small book, a new toothbrush and a small toy (Lily received an I Spy card game while Mia received a kaleidoscope). All items were a hit.C'mon Mom, can't we go on and open our lollipops?
Looking at some of their goodies. Mia loves to brush her teeth, so she got caught up looking at her new Winnie the Pooh toothbrush; it took some coaxing to get her to pull out everything else!
Trying to figure out the kaleidoscope.
After all the stocking gifts were opened, we moved on to open gifts. The girls were so surprised and happy with their presents. I love seeing the excitement on their faces when they open their gifts as they anticipate what's inside and then squeal with delight upon opening it. 4 and 2 are definitely fun ages! In addition to her bike and doll house, Lily received a bike helmet and bell, Search & Find books, magnetic princess dress-up dolls, Color Wonder stamps, finger paints and paper and a Joke book. She loves telling jokes, so we got her a book to teach her some real jokes that actually make sense! In addition to her buggy, Mia was excited to receive a toy piano, puzzle, Disney figurine pack, Little People fire truck, basketball goal and Mickey Mouse book set.Having fun working on her new puzzle.
Ringing her new bike bell. We have heard this bell a lot since this morning.
Taking a break to play with Mia's new piano.
Slam dunk! After opening all of their presents from Mommy and Daddy, it was time to open gifts sent from Grandpops and Grandma Jan and also from Great-Grandpa and Lois. I hated that we couldn't see them over this Christmas season, but we really appreciated them sending gifts for us to enjoy.
Great-Grandpa and Lois gave each girls an art project (Lily received a doll decorating kit and Mia received a sticker activity kit), a book (Duck and Goose for Lily; Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear for Mia) and a new lullaby CD (U2 for Lily and Beach Boys for Mia - both were by Rockabye Baby which takes popular music and turns it into lullaby music - so cool!). Not surprisingly, the girls loved all of these items!
Can't wait to see the CD inside!
Yea for a new book!
Can't wait to see what Grandpops and Grandma Jan sent!
Lily loved this flower tiara from Grandpops and Grandma Jan. In fact, she loved all the cool gifts from them. The girls received stickers, jewelry, hair accessories, finger puppets, puzzles, books, tutu and matching purse, fun plate, wooden farm set and lacing set. They had a blast opening all of these awesome gifts!
Talk about an exciting morning! By now, it was about 9 so we ate a little breakfast and had fun playing with all the new toys. Here's a sweet picture of Mia pushing her baby doll around in her new grocery buggy while wearing her "Ho Ho Hat." She was having a lot of fun!
About 10, my parents and Meme came over to visit and see all the girls' goodies. They were more than happy to show everything off to them. However, when it came to picture time, Mia wasn't so cooperative. She was exhausted from being woken up and all the morning's activities.
Lily and Papa had a good time together.
Granna read "Ladybug Girl" from Grandpops and Grandma Jan to Lily. She always loves a good book!
After about 30 minutes, Mom, Dad and Meme were heading out to Wayne's house to visit them too. They invited Lily to go along with them, so she got ready quickly and had a great time with them. A few minutes after they left, we put Mia down for a nap because she was so exhausted. Ryan and I were able to relax and look through our new goodies too. Once Mia woke up, we had fun playing together and then playing with Lily when she returned. It turned into a very nice, relaxing day for us all.What a wonderful Christmas morning!
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