Happy Birthday Chi - Mi Amigo!

Happy Happy Birthday Chi!
Last night we went to the Mexican resturant with Chi, Bert Carley, Chuck, Parrish, Kylee, Richie, Sunny, Mamaw, Big Daddy and Ya Ya to celebrate Chi's birthday today! We had alot of fun and enjoyed spending good times with our friends. Ayden we couldn't keep you out from under the table and Ally Brynn you loved playing with Sunny and Kylee. These memories of times together are so special and will be cherished for a lifetime. I am so thankful for our friends and know that "The road won't be lonely if we can say in the end, we walked the way together hand in hand with a friend."

On the Sunday before school started back, Daddy and I decided to take you guys to Edventure Children's Museum in Columbia. We wanted to do something fun before the daily grind began again. We took Ayden when he was about 2 and he just loved it, as did I. We knew that Ally Brynn would too. The day started out a little chaotic. Ally Brynn you have been potty training. You came to visit me while I was dressing and told me you had to poo poo. Well the next thing you do is go to daddy's closet to hide. I knew what you were doing and let you take care of business since you don't like to do THAT on the potty. While you were in their, I told you that you should Poo Poo on your potty instead of your diaper. Well you finished up and headed into the den. The next thing I know daddy is screaming AAAMMMMYYY! I ran to see what had happened and you had walked into the den with no clothes from the waist down and poo poo all over your behind and feet. I was so tickled. We went on a hunt to see where you ditched the diaper and we found it on top of your little potty. Their was a trail of poo out of your bathroom. YUCK! As if this wasn't bad enough to start the day, there is more! As I am scrubbing the poo off of your bathroom floor, your daddy scream again "OH NO..... AYDEN" I ran once again to find out what was wrong and Ayden you threw up all across the living room floor. What a mess! I don't know what had gotten into you but after you threw up, you felt great and never got sick again. It must have been something you ate. So I finished cleaning the bathroom, we all got washed and cleaned up and we decided to attempt Columbia. The rest of the day was a blast and we all had so much fun at Edventure. Here are the pics... There was a photographer there from the State paper and he took some pics of Ayden in some of the exhibits... I will attach the link. The picture shows Ayden as part of a painting www.thestate.com/local/story/639935.html

Christmas with the Smith's

The Sunday after Christmas, we were invited to Darren and Celeste's beautiful new home for Christmas with the Smith family. We had a delicious lunch and had a blast visiting with family. Ayden, you, Connor, Reece and Kayla spent the day riding the golf cart and shooting the BB Gun. You guys always play so good together and it is so much fun watching how close you all are. The adults all played Chinese Christmas. This is a game in which each person brings a gift. Everyone draws a number and the person with number 1 goes first. They choose a gift and the next person (person 2) gets the option to steal it. This goes on until the gift becomes 'dead' - it has been stolen 2 times or the last person draws. The person with number 1 gets to choose whatever 'alive' gift they want. It was soo much fun and we shared alot of good laughs. We had a fabulous day but were worn out. This Christmas has been filled with lasting memories and good times but very exhausting. I look forward to spending the rest of my time off unwinding with you guys and sleeping late.

Christmas Night and The Day After Christmas

Christmas Night, Aunt Camie, Uncle Greg and Mimi came over to see the kids for Christmas. We had a great time just hanging out and watching you guys play. Aunt Camie and Uncle Greg exchanged presents with us and Mimi brought a few gifts for you guys as well. Ally Brynn, you were so excited to get some more makeup. You wanted to share it with everyone and everyone to put it on you. You are such a girly girl and love everything girly. Aunt Camie and uncle Greg gave you a little puppy in its own carrier and you don't know quite what to think about it. I have a feeling it won't take long and you will look like these celebrities walking around with their dogs in their handbags. Soo Paris Hilton. This has been a wonderful Christmas and we are so thankful to have such blessings!

The day after Christmas, we had a delicious lunch with Mimi and exchanged gifts. Ayden, you and Ally Brynn spent the day dancing and showing Mimi all of your cool dance moves...the worm, the backwards puppy (I don't know what this is...Ayden made it up) and lots of others. We luaghed at you two so much and really enjoyed the time together. Ally Brynn you looked so cute in your red velvet dress that Mimi gave you. You were our little Santa Baby. Here are a few pics from the day and the cute dance moves. I hope the video will play.

Christmas Day with the Davis'

After opening our gifts Christmas morning, we headed to Nana and Pa's to do Christmas with Aunt Debbie, Uncle Ken, Nana, Pa, Laken and Clay. Everyone was waiting for us at 10:30 when we arrived and you guys were so excited to show off your presents. Ayden, you and Clay both got scooters, camo overall's, camo boots and guns and were in heaven shooting around Nana and Pa's house. Ally Brynn, you and Laken both got baby dolls and lipstick and had such a blast playing dress up. After opening presents, we got lunch ready for all of our family to arrive. Once Mammy Tine and all of the Aunts, Uncle Mike and cousins arrived, we had lunch and opened more gifts. It is always so much fun spending time with our family and just talking. This Christmas, everyone wasn't able to come which is expected since everyone is married (or will be this coming year) and has children. Speaking of marriage...Matthew surprised Jessica with a diamond this Christmas and we will now be having 2 weddings (Jess and Matthew and Chris and Nikki) in our family this year! SO EXCITING! We are looking forward to many more memories this Christmas.

Christmas Eve 2008

Every Christmas Eve we spend the evening with Daddy's family. We attend the Christmas Eve service at First Baptist Church (my favorite Christmas tradition) and then head to Papa's for supper, gifts and time with family and friends. This year, you and Ally Brynn did so good in the church service. You both LOVE music and spent the entire service listening and Ayden you even joined in the singing of Away in a Manger. Ally Brynn, you sat on Aunt Camie's lap thru the whole service and did sooo good. Aunt Camie loved every minute with you. Ayden, you really enjoyed the lighting of the candle during Silent Night and looked so big standing there holding your candle. I can remember the first year we took you to the service. You were so tiny and you slept thru most of the evening. Not this year... you were both so full of energy as usual and kept everyone at Papa's entertained. Manning Westbury, Mama Jackie, John David, Mrs. Connie, Mr. Billy and Katie Varn, Melissa Neeley, Elizabeth Neeley Mitchum, Papa, Annie, Aunt Camie and Uncle Greg all got tons of hugs and kisses from you both. Opening presents was so much fun for you guys and we had just as much fun watching your expressions as you opened your gifts. What a great Christmas Eve. We are so blessed to have such a big, loving family. Ayden, since turning 5, you have turned over a new leaf with Papa and Annies puppy dogs, Cocoa and Chloe. You were so excited to show everyone how you can get them to do tricks. You even requested they be in our family picture. We are so happy that you are over your fear of puppies. We are looking forward to tomorrow morning and hope that Santa brings you both everything you want.

Happy 1st Birthday Ansley Riley

Today we went to celebrate Ansley Riley's first birthday. She is such a cutie with those big blue eyes. Ayden had a blast riding the gator with Jake and Ally Brynn loved playing with the kids. The playground with slide was one of her favorites though. It was a cool day but we got some great photos and loved spending time with our friends. Happy Birthday Ansley!