2010 Christmas Tree

After not too much looking we settled on our tree. The amazing thing was we picked out our tree on a pleasant night- no rain, freezing rain, or sleet. The kids were just ready to pick one so they could go get a candy cane. Charlie was just ready to pick one and be done. I wasn't convinced it was the perfect tree but I have to say it looks pretty perfect with the lights and ornaments. It was pajama day at school so Max ran all our errands that day with pjs on. I looked like one of "those" moms- and really, I am one of "those" moms most days :)



Also, Charlie got the lights up on the house on a warmish day. And we wrapped gifts a week before Christmas! The kids went to a 3 hour event at Maura's gymnastics place- they had fun running, jumping, doing crafts, having snacks while we wrapped- brilliant!
Maura made gifts and with dad's help wrapped them and put them under the tree.

Randomness

Reading in mom and dad's bed.

Nothing like a box to make an afternoon fun and exciting.

Charlie and Ben taking a break from moving the couch out of our bedroom and down to the basement. Lots of hard work to help give me a bit of sanity with a work space in our room (that picture soon to come).

Ben's Art Work

Maura's Art Work

Max's Art Work

Happy 40th Bday!

We agreed to low key 40th birthdays this year. The kids and I made a cake and lasagna. We also designed a "Top 40 Reasons We Love You" poster. A few of the Top 40 highlights...

Maura: you cut paper with me, you make chips and cheese, you are funny
Max: you make good soup (bean and bacon from the can), you take us on super fast bike trailer rides, you make us happy when we are sad
Ben: you help us fix our computer problems, you play dodgeball with us, you pray with us
Kathy: you bring me flowers, you do the laundry, you make us laugh

Happy Birthday! We love you!

Apple Pie Making Season

Ben showing Maura how the apple corer, peeler works.

Maura studying every step.

Maura doing it by herself (with dad's help).

Max finishing the pie off with the crumb topping.

Family Photos

We had a mini-session of photos taken this fall. The photos of all five of us didn't turn out too well but we ended up with a collage of our family that I just love.

Georgia Mountains Part 4: Highlands and Dry Falls

Drive through the mountains in an area that connects GA, SC, and NC- beautiful views and waterfalls


Crimshaws- the smallest post office in the US

Highlands, NC


Lunch at Pescados

Dry Falls


More of our drive through the mountains



Mica found behind Morris property

Morris' land in Satolah, GA. It has been in his family for generations and is beautiful. It backs up to the state park reserves.

The trip wouldn't have been complete without a lesson in shooting.

I actually made a bullseye!


Morris giving us a real lesson.

Georgia Mountains Part 3: Burrell Ford

We went to Burrell Ford for a hike along the Chattooga River. It is a gorgeous trail with amazing spots to camp along the river. Hopefully when we get back to GA with the kids this will be one of our main spots for a camping trip. The air was very cool and we definitely needed gloves and hats. By the end were warmed up and the sun felt great.

Shannon and I on one of the bridges made by the Reserves. The states parks are kept in beautiful condition.




This spot along the river has a sandy beach. Just beyond this point is a camping spot. Shannon, Morris, and the kids have camped there on a few occasions. They said the key is to get there on a Thursday so you can claim the prime spot.

Georgia Mountains Part 2: Horse Farm

Morris takes care of land and horses on much of the properties around his own. Many of these properties once belonged to his family but have since been sold. Across the road from his home is this farm which once belonged to his grandparents. It now belongs to a family who owns an advertising school. They come to Georgia for weekend retreats and also bring students for week-long seminars. The majority of the time the house is empty and Morris (and sometimes Shannon) care for the horses and the land.





Brenden can actually drive this "Dragon" all on his own. He took me on a tour of the property. We got a little lost and had a little trouble turning it around on the path but finally managed to make it back to the farm. His spatial skills are incredible for six years old!


This is the art studio on the property. She does pottery, pencil drawings, and water color. Look at all that natural light! I like to imagine my inner artist would come to life if I had a studio like this :)






The owner is a woodworker and makes every piece of furniture for the home. He also has a studio.