Getting Ready for Santa

Well, it finally arrived. One of my favorite things - my kids in their Christmas PJ's on Christmas Eve. They were so excited and so was I. Christmas is much sweeter through the eyes of a child!

Milk, cookies, and chocolate covered cherries for Santa.

Last year for Robbie's birthday I gave him a security camera system. It came with four cameras, three of which are mounted over the pool and around the outside of the house. However, the fourth one he wanted to mount in Micah's room over his crib so we could watch him fall asleep. It has been fun to watch him play and then curl up and go to sleep. Anyway, i digress... on Christmas Eve the two older kids always sleep in Micah's room because there is also a guest bed in there and they can sleep together. This year we decided to move the camera so we could watch them on Christmas Eve. So, not long after we had left the room we saw her on the camera get out of the bed and tiptoe to the door. Robbie grabbed the camera and opened the door right before she did, which sent her diving back to the bed. He then snapped a picture - having caught her red handed trying to sneak up on Santa. We all laughed about this and then we locked the door so they couldn't get out!!!

So, we are ready for Santa. I hope he comes!!

Christmas Eve - Pop & Gaga's

What a legacy my parents are leaving behind. I love this picture. We were even able to get the 14 year old to participate (and partially smile).

Family picture on Christmas Eve. Not bad for setting the timer on the camera and balancing it on the porch rail!!

This year we did a "live nativity". Mckinney was Joseph, Amberleigh was Mary, Micah was baby Jesus, Braxton was a shepherd, and Rebekah and Amelia were angels. It was adorable!

Here come the angels...

Baby Jesus was enjoying a sucker, which was the only way we could get him to stay put for the reading of the Christmas story.

Rebekah loved playing some Christmas duets with Uncle David.

We got together with my family at my house the day before Christmas Eve to open the adults gifts so that Christmas Eve wouldn't be so crazy at Mom & Dad's. The pictures are mixed in!

McKinney loved his Armor of God from Pop and Gaga.

Micah looking adorable (as always) in his new rain boots!

Getting presents handed out is always a crazy affair & calls for a true organizer ..... and now you know my job!!

This year we started a new tradition. We all had a silly string "fight" in Mom & Dad's front yard before opening presents. It was soooo much fun. I think the adults enjoyed it as much, if not more, than the kids.

GREAT times were had by all!!!

Our Best Friends

We are so blessed to have our best friends, the Segraves, live right down the street from us. Five years ago when we decided to move to Braselton, we were thrilled when the Segraves selected a lot to build on in the same neighborhood we were building in. It only seems right that we should be so close. The kids had a small gift exchange with each other this year. We have grown from just the four adults at the start of our marriage, to having seven kids between the two families. Isn't that amazing?? Thank you Lord for this wonderful friendship!

Andrea, Valerie, Rebekah holding Micah, Lauren holding Ben, and McKinney.

2009 Abbeville Christmas

We had a wonderful get together with all the McKinney's in Abbeville. I look forward to this day as much as anything during Christmas. I love being with all my cousins and their children as well as my Aunts and Uncles. It is also a lot of fun to gather at the farmhouse for a fun southern Christmas.

Unfortunately, my Aunt Brenda and her family were snowed in at home in Mars Hill, so my Uncle Ed filled in for her in the photo of the siblings - he isn't nearly as pretty as Brenda. Sorry Ed!!

Rebekah wore that ribbon around her head all day - she was too cute!

Micah enjoyed his first ride on the 4 wheeler and was asking to ride the "bipicycle" all day.

McKinney's Christmas Program

This year in the Christmas program, McKinney was a pig. He wasn't too thrilled about this - he wanted to be a cow. Anyway, he did a great job. He sang & said his lines loud and clear! We love this little guy & are so proud of him.

Here are the kids with Santa Butch after Rebekah's Christmas program. I can't seem to find those pictures, but as soon as I do I will add them to this post.

Breakfast with Santa

This year we again had the privilege of attending Breakfast with Santa at the Montini's house. It was wonderful. The kids love getting to see Santa walk in while singing Jingle Bells & shaking their bells. I love doing this and would really like to start this tradition at my home in the near future.

Here come Santa Clause...

Micah's first glance this year at the "real" Santa.

Rebekah had a list that she was anxious to pass on to Santa.

Rebekah's Piano Recital

Rebekah had her very first piano recital recently. She did a great job. I would like to upload the video - but that will have to be later. Here are a few pictures from that great day!!

Rebekah with her piano teacher, Mrs. Pam.

Rebekah with Gran & Grandad.

Rebekah with Pop & Gaga.