Christmas Visit

We are so blessed to have several friends who live in our small town that also homeschool.

This year for our Christmas Party we first went to a local assisted living home and sang Christmas carols, played the piano and visited with the residents. We all loved it so much!

One of the residents mentioned how they love this time of year because people come and visit. This saddened me because I know I am guilty of thinking of these types of ministries only around the holidays!

We, as a group, have decided that we would make this a regular outing for our children. We plan to go back and play games and do crafts with the residents throughout the coming year!

Foyer Tree

Can you believe I got this 9  ft pre-lit tree off the side of the road? It was in perfect condition except  for a strand of lights that had some blown bulbs. We replaced those without any problem.

It is perfect for the foyer, don't you think?

Night view from the front door.

Josh and Marah's Wedding

Yesterday was such a fun day! We first celebrated Scot's birthday and then later that night, we celebrated my cousin, Josh, getting married!

It was a beautiful wedding and we are so happy that Marah is now officially a part of our family!

Cherokee, NC

On our way through the mountains, we stopped in Cherokee to do a little Geo-caching. 

It had been raining earlier, but thankfully had stopped while we were driving down the mountain. It would have been a scary experience if the rain had not stopped! 

Cherokee was a neat little place. I only wish we had more time to see more of it.

Quick Stop in the Mountains

On our way home from OH, we spent the night in Gatlinburg. The next morning we stopped at a few places and even did a little geo-caching. There is so much to do there, but we didn't have a lot of time to explore the area like we all wanted to! We promised the kids we would come back again soon...maybe late summer??!!!?!

Here are a few pics to remember our quick trip.

Highlights from our OH Trip

Camp out at Aunt Tammy's house

Games Galore

Making Memories with Mammaw (They were making necklaces in this picture!)

Our Ohio family

We  had a wonderful time going to Ohio to visit Scot's family. We don't get to see them often enough, but always have great time and make lots of memories when we finally are able to be together.

This is Scot's parents affectionately known as Mammaw and Pappaw.

This is e with Scot's sister, Tammy and Mammaw.

B with his cousin, Caleb.

S with Scot's brother, Brian.

B and his Pappaw

M with Aunt Tammy

Enjoying the Fire

Our first fire of the season and in the new house :)

Fun Picture

When I was taking pictures for our Christmas Cards I took this shot. I think it turned out pretty cool!

Adding a Little Spring

In these weary days of winter, it is nice to have some spring around the house.

I got these flowers at a local grocery store for a dollar each!

They sure add a little sunshine to my day each time I look at them. When spring does finally come, we can plant them at the land and enjoy them year after year.

Fun in the SNOW

Lots and Lots of snowball fights

B and E running in the snow at the our Town Square.

Walking around town in the snow!

Catching snowflakes

Snow Angels

Chunks of snow off the cars

Spending an entire day outside enjoying the beauty (and  fun!) of the snow!

Our Snowman

Thankfully when we got snow on Friday, we had enough to make a snowman! We had a blast doing it!

B helped me roll the snowman's head. It was so heavy that Scot and I struggled to pick it up!

I am sure we were a sight trying to lift it :)

To put into perspective how big the snowman was, this is M, our 3 year old, standing next to it!

I love the look of excitement on B's face! He, like all the kids, was LOVING the snow and the fun filled day of playing in it. What a treat!

Snow Day

Excited does not accurately describe how we felt when we woke up to snow falling in our southern town! The first snowfall we have had since 1993...several years before my kids were born!

This was the first real snow the younger three have seen.

E saw and played in the snow when we visited Scot's parents in Ohio back in 2000. (Although she really does not remember it!)

Isn't it beautiful!

I will do several posts of our fabulous day full of snow and all the fun activities that goes along with it!