Let's Back Up a Bit!

The week after Thanksgiving, our precious nephew, Thomas "Gresham" Oliver, was born!!  He came early, so he was a little tiny thing ( 4 lbs. 10 oz.). But, he is doing really well and making up for lost time in the weight department.  We are so grateful for Gresham!

Pure Sweetness!

Eliza says, "Hooray, I'm a big sister!"

The Rumors are True....

The lights and experience of going to the "House in Mauldin" is awesome!!

 

We heard from a few friends that it was worth a trip to Mauldin to see this one particular house.  They weren't kidding!  Not only is the house, front yard, and back yard covered in spectacular lights and displays, but a Christmas movie is projecting on the garage door, Christmas music is playing on speakers, people are handing out free popcorn and hot chocolate, and Santa Claus is hanging out near the heater.  So fun!!  I am so glad that we decided (a bit last minute) to take the girls to check it out!

 

 

Another fun Christmas memory was made!

(Call, text, or e-mail me for the address, if you want to experience this house in person...and believe me, you do!)

The Festivities are in Full Swing!

We had our good friends, the Osborns, over last night.  The plan was to have a "P Night".....PJs, Pizza, and "The Polar Express."  The girls really wanted to watch the "Barbie Christmas Movie,"though, and who are we to trample their Christmas wishes?!!  The Daddies and Everett were good sports to endure a Barbie movie, but in reality, nobody really watched all that much of it. :) We had a really fun time with the Osborns (as usual)!

This little gal loves pepperoni pizza!

Everett, the only boy.  Oliver will be here soon, Everett.  Just hold on!

 Kerri Grace fixed her hot chocolate just the way she likes it.

All the big girls lined up with their dessert and hot chocolate.

Giddy Up!  (I love that he has a candy cane hanging out of his mouth.)

Elizabeth and I wore our festive pajamas.  Matt and Joseph were too cool. =)

Belle riding Lucky.

Doctor, do I have a fever?

Sweet Sylvie was there, too!

It was extra fun to have the Osborns over knowing that they will be back in Papau New Guinea next Christmas!  We love them so much! 

All of our fun family get togethers start tomorrow, and we (the girls, especially) are ready, ready, ready!  I hope that you and yours have some fun plans for this wonderful time of the year.  Merry, Merry!

Surprise Encounter!

Last night, we stopped by Chic-fil-a for dinner on our way to let the girls pick out gifts for eachother.  When we walked in, we spotted him!  The jolly man himself!  The sweet Saint Nick!

The girls were excited, especially our youngest.  Kerri Grace is just far too smitten with anyone in costume.  (Although Maggie determined that it was the "real Santa Claus" because his beard was real.)  They both had a great time talking to him and sitting in his lap!

Maggie explained that Kerri Grace wants an American Girl Doll because she wants one.  Look at how sweetly Santa is listening.  Love it!

Three of the jolliest people I know!

Before we left, Maggie asked what kind of cookies Santa liked.  He said he liked them all, but his favorite is chocolate chip (with milk, of course.)  So, now you know, too..... make sure you leave a plate full of chocolate chip cookies and cold milk for "The Big Man in Red!"

Christmas Program

Maggie has been talking about her Christmas Program since before Thanksgiving.  She has been so, so excited about singing on the stage!  She was the same way last year.  I think she may be our little performer! 

Maggie was the angel in the nativity story and had a speaking part!  She did very well, and ate up all of the attention.  Not to mention, she was (in my humble opinion) perfectly cast as the angel. =)

Kerri Grace did a good job, too.  She is not as crazy about being the center of attention, but she sang and jingled her bells with the best of them!

My little lady showing her bloomers and her beautiful smile!

Maggie and the other two sweet angels.

K3, K4, and K5 Cuties

Sweet Thing

"You will have a baby.  He will be very special.  He will be called, Jesus!"

A little blurry, but the only picture we have with Mommy and Daddy in it.

Simply Thrilled!

The girls with their Papa, Mimi, and Pal.  We sure did miss Nana Sue!

Giggles, Squeals, And Merry Times!

We had the Bryants over for dinner a couple of weeks ago, and it was fun, fun!!!

 

As most of you know, Lauren has been my best friend since middle school, and our girls just adore eachother.  It is so sweet!  There was a time when I tried to force  gently instructed Maggie that her best friend was Campbell ;) ....there was no need.  These girls are crazy about one another!

 

Here is our night in pictures:

 

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care.

Kitchen Table was decorated.

Dining Room Table

Christmas Tree

Our Christmas Cards Through the Years!

Love getting Christmas Cards from friends and family!

The Kiddos Table...complete with placemats that Maggie made.

Waiting for Our Friends to Arrive!

Sweet Little Gals

The plan was to make gingerbread houses.  We didn't realize that you have to put the houses together the night before and let them set overnight.  Oups!  The guys tried so hard to hot glue / ice the houses together so that they wouldn't fall apart. (In my opinion, it just added to the fun of the night.)

Working hard on their constructions.

 While the daddies were putting together the houses, the girls were busy planning a "show" for the parents.  (Every time we are together, they come up with some kind of production.)  This time, they sang and danced to Christmas songs.  It is always so cute to watch them have fun and be creative!



Maggie and Campbell all costumed up!

Reese admiring Maggie's singing.

Dance Party!

"Jingle Bells!  Jingle Bells!"

Ta-da!

Decorating...fun times!

Bryant girls working on their house.

The Bryants' Final (Perfect) Product 

The Gaymons' Final (Not so Perfect) Product

 

We had a fantastic time!  In fact, we had such a great time that I can see this being a tradition in the making!  Hope you are busy making new traditions with the ones you love!