October…summed up

Here’s a little bit of October from my cell phone.   Not much to it, but it was fun!

Happy Easter!

Christmas Day

I was all prepared this year to take some good pictures during the holidays.  Well don’t you know, I didn’t really accomplish that.  We woke up Christmas morning to see what Santa brought for Kendall and of course I was really too concerned with her reaction and wanting to see it on my own, that I didn’t get the best pictures.  She was so excited, however to open everything! She kept saying, “Santa brought it.” Too cute!After a few presents at home, we headed up to Columbia to celebrate more of Christmas with my parents, sister and her family and my brother.  We had a nice meal followed by more presents.  Kendall was more interested in what Jack and Sam got from Santa then opening her own gifts. My sister took a lot more pictures then me (as usual), so please check out her blog. (excuse the blurriness of the tree).We packed up the gifts and then it was time to sing Happy Birthday to Jesus! We will always celebrate the reason for the season! I think I need to make one of my New Year’s resolutions, to take more pictures.  

Santa Claus…

Was not Kendall’s favorite this year.  We headed to see the Christmas lights at Old Santee Canal State Park with the Gehlken’s.  Kendall loved the lights and was even happy to eat some marshmallows off a stick however Santa was a no go.  Last year was a piece of cake so we’ll keep our fingers crossed and see what picture we get next year.  Maybe having her little brother  sit next to her will make it all better. 

Christmas with the Grant’s

Family is so special to me and to spend time with multiple family members throughout the holiday season makes it always more enjoyable and that much more special.  We celebrated Christmas with the Grant’s, the Sunday before the big day.  There were presents and wrapping paper everywhere.  Emory got an American Doll from Lindy and Granddaddy. I think it was a hit with the big girls too.Uncle Earl and his new wife, Sylvia, joined us for Christmas this year bearing gifts for all. Kendall and Emory love to play on Lindy’s piano.  They tried their hands at some Christmas music. It sure doesn’t look like they got very far.  Guess they were learning the music.We had so much fun with everyone and enjoyed a great meal as well.  Merry Christmas to all!

Our FIRST gingerbread house

Oh, what fun did we have!! It was the first time for me making the house and Kendall even seeing one.  I didn’t exactly read the directions all the way through so I think these four gingerbread walls must have fell down and were put back together at least five times. Duh, you have to wait for it to dry before you try to decorate.  I will definitely remember this for the next time.  Kendall enjoyed playing with the candy and did add her personal touches.  I can’t wait to make one next year.  I’ll have four hands to help me!Notice the mouth full of candy (sorry for the grainy iPhone picture).And our final product…

Happy 4th of July

Happy birthday America! Thank you to all of the service men and women for all you do and what you have done.  We appreciate you today and always! We  went to a fireworks show with some friends and Kendall had a blast.  She said, “boom boom” a few times when she saw them in the sky.  It was a late show for lil’ miss but there is just no such thing as the fourth of July without fireworks in my book.  I love watching fireworks and I am glad Kendall does too.

We hope everyone had a great Independence Day weekend! Red, White and Blue!

Easter morning

We woke up bright and early Easter morning to see what the Easter bunny left for Kendall.  I totally didn’t think about leaving the bunny a note and some carrots.  I need to get better at traditions.  Although, I know in the coming years, Kendall will understand better so I will be better.

I didn’t want to go over board with things for her basket this year because she isn’t really into “toys” right now.  She would rather run around the house, play outside or find a non toy any day of the week.  I decided to get some things she needed and I know as she gets older there will be plenty of fun things to put in her basket that she will  love and have so much fun with.

New Year’s Eve

Leave it up to South Carolina to throw a curve ball in the weather.  The day after Christmas we had snow and the day before the new year we have 72 degree, sunny weather.  We’ll take it!  Kendall loves to play outdoors so after her nap we changed into a short sleeve shirt and out to play. There are leaves galore in our back yard right now and Kendall was having a blast playing with them.  She even decided to taste one.  She wasn’t quite ready to go inside but it was time for a snack and she was okay with that.

Christmas in Columbia

We woke up early Christmas morning to see what Santa brought for Kendall before heading to Columbia.  We weren’t too sure how Kendall would do with her presents but she was a pro.  She required a little rip from mommy and she knew just what to do.  I think it’s safe to safe her favorite toy might have been her cuddly Mickey Mouse stuffed animal.  She can pick him out of her toys in a heartbeat.  It is a blessing to experience Christmas through a child’s eyes and I am glad we got the experience this year.  Oh, the joys to come! Can’t wait!

I’m sad to say I have misplaced my camera and we were only able to get pictures of Kendall with her presents on our phone (while still at home), which were incredibly blurry.  Thank goodness for Aunt Michelle and her camera once we were in Columbia.Kendall had so much fun playing with Jack and all of his toys.  thanks for sharing, buddy. Sam took it all in, so peaceful. Jack showed us his guitar skills, his very own request from Santa. Grandma helped Kendall and Jack open some presents.  And Jack helped Uncle Adam! Group photos are fun to take with little ones. It’s a game of who will look away first.  Too cute! And of course, our family photo for Christmas.  We have a new addition since Thanksgiving. Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!

The Grant Family

Merry Christmas Eve!

I tried my best to get a picture of Kendall near the stockings but she was too fast, hence the blurriness.  Then she wouldn’t look at me, only the Christmas tree!

Love,

Lindsey, Ryan and Kendall

Christmas at the Grant’s

Today, we had an early Christmas with the Grant family.  It was one of the only days we ALL had to get together with all of the hectic holiday schedules ahead of us.  Kendall, Sullivan and Emory all enjoyed opening and playing with presents before dinner and of course the adults did too.  Christmas through a child's eyes is truly priceless.  I am so thankful this year to experience this holiday in a whole different perspective.

Kendall got a rocking horse from Sullivan, Emory, Aunt Mollie and Uncle Randy.  She played with it as soon as we opened it and when we got home.  Lil’ miss has already figured out the rocking concept, how to push its ears to make music and how to get off.  What a fast learner!  She also got a nice V-tech toy and a push car/stroller from Lindy and Granddaddy. (We missed those pictures). Sullivan got a Razor scooter and a Nintendo DS game.Ryan and Randy tried their skills on the scooter.  Apparently it’s pretty tricky! Emory got a Moxie girl that you can put make up on and style her hair, and a Leap Frog with a book.  You should hear her read!Smile for the camera! Excuse the blurriness of this picture.  I took it as fast as I could while they were all cooperating! What would Christmas be without a picture in front of the tree? ‘Tis the reason for the season! What a special time we all had together! The Grant’s house was beautifully decorated and Kendall enjoyed looking at all of the pretty decorations, especially the stockings and computer screen saver.  Mr. Grant always has such pretty pictures for each season and Kendall could sit in front of the computer all day watching the pictures change.

Thank you to the Grant’s for hosting such a nice gathering.  The food was great, the company was better and we look forward to many more Christmas celebrations with all of you!

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Love,

Ryan, Lindsey and Kendall