Christmas at the Farmhouse!!

Christmas at the farmhouse in Abbeville, SC is one of our family's favorite part of the Christmas season. The farmhouse is my Uncle Ed's Aunt's house. It has been his for many years now & we are so grateful to have a fun place to get together with extended family. We get to see my two Aunts (my Dad's sisters) and their families. The family has added many new members over the years & we all really look forward to to this day. Enjoy the pictures of my family! (I will add pictures of the Russell family later - somehow I didn't get any of those on my camera).

My sister, Erin, her husband, Andy, and their two children, Braxton & Amberleigh.

My cousin, Amy, her husband, Todd, & their daughter, Emma.

My cousin, Logan, his wife, Jill, and their daughter, Hollie.

My Aunt Margaret & Uncle Ed.

The Butler Family.

My sister, Claire, her husband, Bobby, and their children, Brett, Caleb & Amelia.

The original six McKinney's.

My dad with his two sisters, Margaret & Brenda.

Mom and her three girls.

Our precious family.

Christmas Time is Here!

I know I haven't blogged much lately, but we have been very busy. I won't try to catch up on everything we have been doing, but I wanted to hit a few highlights. This post will be a compilation of several things that are "blog worthy".
Tree Picking -
The main reason I can't pull the plug on a real live Christmas tree is how much fun the kids have running through the Christmas tree farm & picking out the perfect tree each year. I really think they would be upset if this wasn't part of our annual Christmas traditions. Here are some cute pictures from this years hunt.

Tree Decorating -

The kids had a blast decorating our tree on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It was an especially great day b/c for the 1st time in Rebekah's life, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets pulled off a BIG win against the "Boodawgs" (as the kids call them).

Breakfast with Santa -

We were invited to a breakfast with Santa event at a friend's house. We weren't sure what to expect, but went with hopes of a good time. We certainly weren't disappointed. I was in tears as the children rang their bells & sang very loudly so Santa would hear them & come in the house. It was such a magical experience. I almost thought I was a kid again & had to stop myself from yelling out, "Hey Santa, it's me, Melanie McKinney. You remember me don't you?" Anyway, we had such a great time - we are considering doing it here next year.

Pumpkin Picking

Our kids used to beg us to take them to the gas station pumpkin patch at Hamilton Mill. Well, a few years ago we decided to fore go the long drive & the crowds at Burt's and took them to the old Citgo (or was it a Chevron?) pumpkin patch. We haven't been back to Burt's since. The kids love this pumpkin patch. They play in the dog houses & on the swing sets and then quickly run through the pumpkins before picking the one that will grace our front porch step. We have all grown to love the gas station pumpkin patch!!

Micah's First Georgia Tech Game

Robbie & I love going up to Clemson every other year for the GT vs. Clemson game. This year Micah joined us. This was his first GT game & he did really great. He took a few cat naps throughout the game & especially loved the band! Thanks Mr. Rob for the tickets!!

After the game we tailgated with the Elkins and Micah fell asleep in the back of the car. It was a long day for him!

McKinney - We Love You!!!

October 12 marked four years of life with McKinney. God truly blessed us with him. McKinney, you are a joy to be around. You constantly make me laugh when you aren't causing me to pull my hair out. You say the funniest things & keep us on our toes. We can't wait to see what God has in store for your life.

Despite the rain, keeping the inflatable from being delivered, you had a great party. Your friend's enjoyed playing in your playroom & outside.

Rainy Day Fun

A few days ago we had a very rainy day. McKinney couldn't stand being inside any longer & I found him outside playing in the rain. He had such a great time & it made me a little envious that I wasn't playing in the rain with him. Oh to be 4 again!!

Fall Break was a Blast!!

Over Rebekah and McKinney's Fall Break from school we piled in the car with Pop & Gaga and went to Lynchburg, VA to visit Uncle David. The trip was a lot of fun & the kids really enjoyed seeing David's house & where he works. The highlight of the trip was on Sunday at Campus Church. David leads music & it was McKinney's birthday the Sunday we were there, so David had the students sing Happy Birthday to him. He & Rebekah were on the big screen & had huge smiles while 2000+ students sang to him. I will upload a video but it cuts off at the end b/c my batteries died (typical)!