New Years Eve Day

Ellen and I were home together this morning (Phillip ended up getting off work at lunch time).  We had fun with toys, puzzles, painting, loving on the dogs and playing outside (it was a nice day here, windy but pleasant).  Ellen decided it would be fun to mix all of her puzzle pieces together.  We ended up working most of them but it took longer than I thought it would to sort through the mess.

 Hooray for Daddy getting off work early today!  We were glad to have him home with us.

Ellen and I both took a long nap this afternoon while Phillip did "this and that" (which I found out later meant he played a video game, watched a little football and messed around on the computer).  After a snack we played with Ellen's dollhouse and watched Sleeping Beauty.  Our last meal of 2010: Quesadillas.  It is almost bedtime for Ellen and then we will see if I can make it until midnight.     

Happy New Year!

What?!

Phillip:  Do you want to talk to Mama?

Ellen:  I want to text her

Phillip:  Talk to Mama (handing her the phone)

Ellen:  No, I want to send her a message

A minute later I get a text from Ellen.

I feel so loved.

Christmas Wrap Up

Christmas 2010... an all around good time was had by all.  We did not get to do everything we had planned or get to see everyone we wanted to but that is just the way it goes sometimes.  I did remember to take a few pictures of the playhouse in my Grandparent's back yard that Andrea and I used to play in.  It has seen better days but it was like a palace when we were growing up.

The drive back to Tennessee was the only not so great part (besides me having sinus issues).  Snowy roads, and the resulting accidents that we slowly made our way around, made driving through the mountains a little rough (we tried to stay in the right lane since it had visible tracks).  Ellen crying and all of us needing to use the bathroom didn't help either.  Once we got through the mess we stopped at Cracker Barrel in Newport to refuel (homestyle chicken, fried okra, mashed potatoes and cornbread did the trick).  It continued to snow through Knoxville, Crossville and Cookeville but the roads were drivable. 

We both took Monday off which was nice.  We unpacked/organized, Ellen played with her new toys, Phillip set up our new stereo, I did some shopping, we picked up the dogs, much needed groceries were purchased and put away and Phillip and I packed up the Christmas ornaments and decorations while Ellen napped.  

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 We are very thankful for the gifts we received.  A few highlights:

Alaina:  "Ellen" necklace, new black purse, books and Target and Gap gift cards

Phillip:  Clothes, CD's, gift cards for iTunes, PlayStation Network and Game Stop and Walking Dead books/graphic novels

Ellen:  All things princess (wand, barbies, metal purse, Cinderella doll, rings and much more), pillow pet, Polly Pocket, new dresses, new coat and Legos

Family:  Personalized address labels that include the dogs, kitchen gadgets, gift cards, money and stereo that plays our iPods or CD's

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A few more pictures

At Grandma's House

Friday afternoon (Christmas Eve) we met David, Crystal and Allie at Grandma's house.  Kelly had the flu so she sadly did not get to come and Aunt Diane and Uncle David, who were possible carriers, also stayed home.  We really missed them!  Hopefully we can all be together next year.

Me and Grandma... ready to play our traditional Christmas game (we always play in the den).  We each bring a $5 gift (new or used) and draw numbers to see what order we are going to "play".  It is always fun.  Ashling brought a gift too so we plan to let Ellen participate next year.

After the game we went into the living room to exchange gifts around the Christmas tree. This is the second year in which we have drawn names.  Andrea had my name this year and I had my Dad. Phillip had Aunt Diane and David had him. Everyone buys for the kids and let me tell you, they scored big!

Ellen has been playing with these princess ballerina barbies non-stop.  Thanks Crystal, David and Allie for Ellen's birthday gift!

Opening the special angel ornament from Aunt Diane

Grandma and Dad

Allie is the cutest!

A serious discussion

Playing with their new princess jewelry

A North Carolina Christmas... Day 2 of 4

Unfortunately, I did not get a lot of pictures during the Christmas celebration at my parents house (but we had fun, I promise!).  We opened presents Friday morning (Christmas Eve) and then had brunch.  We usually all take turns opening presents but this year my Dad suggested we let the kids open theirs first and then the adults open while the kids play.  It worked out pretty well.  I think this may become a new tradition until the kids get a little older.

A North Carolina Christmas... Day 3 of 4

We drove to Nana and Grandpa's house Saturday morning (Christmas Day) where Ellen helped decorate a Christmas tree that Nana set up especially for her.  We then all opened presents and ate lunch.  Phillip's Mom made Ellen a beautiful dress and we are looking forward to her wearing it to church on Sunday.  As always, we had a good time hanging out with all of the siblings.