Carsen's big 8th birthday party was at a place called Stars and Strikes... He invited 5 of his closest friends and we took them to bowl, Lazar tag, and bumper cars!!! What a blast it was!! I have never seen boys have so much fun!! This was such a great way to have a birthday party. Of course mommy can't believe that her little boy is a BIG eight years old!!! Where does all of the time go..... I remember when Tom and I brought that little thing home from the hospital and now he is almost as big as his Mommy!!!! With every year that this little bundle of joy grows I am always so proud of the little boy that he is growing into. I have always said that God has big plans for Carsen and I do believe that with all of my heart. He is such a sweet little boy with the kindest heart I know.... Carsen your Daddy and I couldn't be more proud of the person that you are growing into. Our prayer is that you will always allow God to lead your heart and trust in where ever he guides you!!! We love you little one!!!!

Starting the Wii young

Here is my sweet little baby thinking that he is playing the Wii with his big brother and sister... as we all know he will catch on sooner than we think!!! It is so cute to watch them play together. Camden thinks that he is included in everything that they do even if he really isn't!!! Sweet little baby boy!!!

Ringing in the New Year in Hilton Head.....

Sweet Beach photos in Hilton Head

The two of them couldn't be any closer!!! This is also how they walk into school each day!!!

There is nothing cuter than rolled up jeans on the beach!!!!

Our favorite Big Tree in Harbor Town!!!

More fun Hilton Head Memories....

What a sweet little face!!!!

There are so many memories that my family has of Hilton Head. Every year we go there after Christmas with Ommie and Granddaddy. We have such a great time. Even though this isn't the most traditional time to go it is such a relaxing time for my family.... especially after coming off of Christmas Holiday's and Birthdays. All of the pools are heated so we still have a great time swimming and we even take a trip or two to the beach... it is usually too cold to get in the water but we still get some great pictures none the less. There is something to be said for not having to take out all of your gear to go to the pool or get all sun screened up to go outside. We truly just have a relaxing time going into Harbor Town, eating at the Crazy Crab, and or course it wouldn't be a trip to Hilton Head without going to the top of the Light House. This is another great memory that my children will share for a lifetime. We can't thank you enough Ommie and Granddaddy for making us a part of your trip!!! We love you so much!!!

Christmas Morning....What a Joy!!!

Christmas morning..... What a fun time!!! I love love love seeing the kids faces when they come down the stairs!!! For me the excitement starts on Christmas Eve when they are just so silly with excitement. Tom and I weren't real sure what would happen this year with Carsen as far as the magic behind Christmas but believe me it was not lost at all. He couldn't be a BIGGER BELIEVER which makes my heart so happy!!! For those of you who know my family well you know that my children get 3 gifts a piece just like the wise men brought to Jesus... We have been doing this since Carsen was a baby and couldn't be happier with the way it has turned out. Starting around Thanksgiving when all of those lovely advertisments come out tempting our children with what should be on their Christmas list my kids keep it to three things and if they change their mind about something they update their list accordingly so there is never more than three things each. This helps our family to focus on the true meaning of Christmas and not get lost in a sea of toys. My mom and dad always come over on Christmas morning and bring breakfast and we sit with the kids and eat and play with their new toys and just enjoy this time as a family!!! Later in the afternoon we go and visit Tom's family and have dinner and enjoy the holiday with them. It couldn't be a happier day!!!!

Presley's class Christmas Party

Presley and Carsen's class Christmas parties were on the same day.... So I basically went to the school at 9:00 am and left at 3:00 Ha!Ha! It seems like all of their events at school have fallen on the same day. Of course I wouldn't miss either one of them for the world!!! Presley's class decorated Christmas cookies and sang some Christmas songs.... Plus they also brought home some home made ornaments for the tree my favorite thing in the world!! After each of their parties the school had a Santa Shop set up in the Gym for the kids to go and shop for their parents and family members..... this was their favorite part!!! They each picked out stuff for their baby brother and grandparents.....and mom and dad too!!! They loved the idea of being able to shop on their own. After they paid for their gifts there was even a wrapping station for them to wrap them!!! What a cute idea!!!

Carsen's Christmas Party at School

The Christmas parties at school are always so much fun. The kids are so excited about Christmas that they can hardly stand it so the party is just the icing on the cake before their brake from school. This year Carsen's teacher is so sweet and always does such fun things with them. Some of the parents brought in treats and snacks. The kids made gingerbread cookies and lots of little crafts..You know the ones that us Mom's keep and display around the house. I will say that one thing I miss now that my kids are in public school is the focus on Christmas and it's true meaning... I guess I miss all of those cute little manger sets and angel hand prints that they did in their church preschool classes. I wish that I could just bottle up that preschool age and keep it in my pocket!!

One Big Family Christmas!!

Camden enjoying Presley's gift!!!

Pretty soon we are going to run out of steps!!!!

How can words even describe what this get together means to me..... What a blessing it is to be involved in such a wonderful Christmas memory!!! Every year we get together with 5 of our closest friends and their children and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. Of course, as the years have gone by the group has grown much BIGGER with children!!! Between the 6 families there are 15 children. We let the kids draw names for gifts according to the age group and then we all bring cookies to exchange. This is one of my favorite Christmas memories. Even though it is not easy getting all of these children in their pj's and gathered for a picture it is something that they will look back on and be so blessed by!!! I am not sure who has more fun with this the parents or the kids..... I hope that this is a tradition that will last long into middle and high school years I can't wait to see the picture then!!! Of course we will have to loose the pj's....... Ha! Ha! I am not sure if our children are even aware how blessed they are to be surrounded by such wonderful families and friends who all share the same love for Christ. I know that for Tom and I we are so happy to be a part of such wonderful memories and are prayer is that it will begin to shape our children lives and continue to grow these friendships for them as well.

Making Christmas Memories!!

Take a look at these gingerbread houses!!!

Little Camden just wants to play with his truck!!! Notice Mommy still has him all dressed for Christmas though!!!

Crazy old elf makes a special appearance!!!

Every year at Christmas we get together with my mom's side of the family to decorate cookies and make gingerbread houses!! Now for those of you who know my family well know that this time of the year couldn't be crazier for us!! We have two birthdays and Christmas in December. So you can imagine that it is difficult to get these kind of things organized with every ones schedules!! With that being said these are the kinds of memories that my children and I will remember for our whole lives and hopefully will one day be passed down to their children. I love to see my kids faces and the little creations that come from this family get together!!! Of course, it wouldn't be Christmas at our house without CRAZY OLD ELF (yes that is his name it has stuck since Carsen was a kid!!!) He stays around and gets into everything until Santa comes to take him home on Christmas eve!!!