New. . .

is just another word for change. Which, normally, I'm not one to embrace change readily, but thanks to Pen's hard work on the new look of Smartini, I was inspired to change things up around here as well. . in honor of the New Year!

(Maybe it will bring my readers and commenters back?)

Hope everyone rings in a safe and very Happy start to the New Year!

Merry, Merry Christmas: Rounds 3 & 4

Friday, I ducked out and got in a couple hours of shopping! I found enough to cover my birthday. from everyone. And I managed to squeeze in a brief visit with some high school friends in town. . seeing one that is nearly 8 months pregnant (and doesn’t even look 4!) which was fun.

Greg helped install Granpa’s gift of lights for over his work benches in his workshop and we slowly made our way down to the lake by 7-8, just in time for a delicious dinner. We did my immediate family’s gift exchange, even though we had extras in the mix with cousins and aunts around. It was fun to have a big crowd.

In a daze. . .it had been a long, napless day.

A handmade hat and matching purse cheer her up!

Wyatt was so hilarious when I put on his new fleece-lined crocs. He walked so awkwardly and continually inspected his feet.

more shoes!

Dellaina had a big time, but was disappointed when she ripped through her presents quickly and everyone else was still opening. She assisted everyone else, but wanted another one for herself. And there was still one waiting for her and Wyatt outside on the porch! Wyatt had such a big time on his new motorized vehicle and caught on quickly how to make it go, and even propping his feet up! He was just a little slower on the steering and watching where you are going aspects. I wish there had been more light and I had captured his jumping up and down laughing jubilation, but here’s a small sampling.

When asked if she wanted a turn to ride, she replied, “no, I’ve got a kitchen!” and was preparing food for everyone. Including Buzz and Woody. It's compact enough, we actually brought it homoe for her room, which I'm excited about, rather than leaving it at the lake.

Saturday was the official day for all of my dad’s side of the family to converge for our celebration. We had a wonderful meal – venison roast and the most veggies I think I’ve had in one meal: beets, Acorn squash, sweet potatoes, turnip greens, corn pudding, broccoli cornbread, I feel like there was more, but it was all yummy. We had a glass casserole dish explode on top of the stove (placed on a hot eye) that in turn cracked a glass bowl sitting next to it. Then, a wine glass was knocked off the railing outside and shattered and the glass butter dish came crashing out of the refrigerator door when someone pulled it open and the lid had not been closed on the butter compartment! Thankfully, amidst all of this shattering no one was cut or hurt, but it made for some stories! It was such a warm day, we had lots of outdoor playtime before the big meal and gift exchange.

New butterfly rain boots!

=

aww, cute newlweds First Christmas.

I got your nose!

wait, what?!

Lots of Uncle’s laps to play in!

and puzzles to work on!

We returned home late this evening and there are so many bags, boxes and suitcases to be unloaded and sorted through tomorrow! I ’m looking forward to it, though. Thanks all!

Merry, Merry: Round 2

Then, we packed up and headed to Granny & Granpa's for a marathon gift opening session. Where there were even more clothes to open (makes mama very excited!!) and Dellaina protested in a whiny voice that she wanted a Toy! So, we finally broke out the heavy artillery with her new Tinkerbell backpack to carry around. . drum roll, please. . .real Woody and Buzz Lightyear dolls! She played and played, just talking and carrying them around all night. She didn't get her nap in until 5:00 after the mayhem and only when we convinced her just to go "rest" in Granny & Granpa's bed with Buzz and Woody, because they might be tired. She is sleeping with Woody right now as well. We had a good day spending it with everyone. . I really got to watch Addison interact for a long period of time, which was great! She was laughing for me by the end of the night. .when they were headed out the door!

In all the excitement, we lost our pants. . .and had to try on the new slippers!

And dance with the dancing, singing Snowman

And keep toting Buzz and Woody. She told me more than once she wanted Buzz and Woody for Christmas and that she's "glad she got them." Good work G&G!!