Christmas Card Outtakes

Well, my Christmas card that I'm sending this year isn't my favorite one ever, but let's just say, it's better than it could have been, and it just wasn't getting any better. I don't know if trying to get the kids all looking good together is hard for everyone, but it certainly was a huge challenge for me this year. I didn't even make them wear stiff dresses and itchy tights or button-up shirts--you'd think they would have had lots of smiles. Here's a couple of outtakes--just for fun! Eric was telling jokes to make them smile...this one was a little TOO funny!

Oh, the emotions of a teenager!

When was my Jesikah replaced by Cousin It.

Finally, I thought I got a good one, and my finger was in front of the flash...UGH!

Making Gingerbread Houses

We decided to make gingerbread houses the easy way this year. Eric picked up a gingerbread kit from the store that you make out of rice krispy treats, so we tried that. It was pretty easy and quick, and the kids enjoyed decorating them.
Everyone showcasing their masterpieces.

The complete gingerbread a la rice krispy houses.

Alex feeling in the Christmas spirit proclaims, "Peace on Earth".

With the leftover rice krispies, Eric decided to embrace his creative side and make a merry Jabba the Hut. :)

The next morning, we cut each house in half and let them dig in. I think they liked it!

School Christmas Program

The girls had their school Christmas program this past week, so I uploaded a few pictures to share. The whole school participated, and they sang several traditional Christmas favorites. Each grade had a couple of special ones for their grade. Jesikah's was "Nuttin' for Christmas", and Tessa's was something about only getting socks for Christmas. It was cute! Then they had someone come out and dance dressed as Frosty the Snowman while the kids sang it. Several people mentioned that she might have looked a little more like the snowman from the "Nightmare Before Christmas" than Frosty. I think I might have to agree--I'll add a picture and you can decide for yourself. :)

Jesikah and her friends waiting for the program to start.

Tessa also waiting for the program to start (she didn't get to stand by her friends).

Frosty from the Nightmare before Christmas--kidding!

Tessa with her teacher, Ms. Harned.

Jesikah with one of her teachers, Mrs. Nix.

They boys waiting for everyone to clear out of the gym after the program.

On the Island with Mom

Mom, Steve, Eric, and the kids near the parking area overlooking the boats.

(Sorry in advance for the long post--there were so many great pictures I couldn't decide). The day after Thanksgiving, we drove southwest to Little Gasparilla Island where Eric's Mom and Steve live. It was about a 3 hour drive. The island is beautiful and very small. You can only reach it by boat. The kids loved the boat ride there and back. We spent two days and nights there. It was warm and sunny and we enjoyed the white sandy beaches and the ocean. The kids all loved chasing the waves and Jesikah and I especially loved finding shells. The beach was COVERED with shells. I've never seen so many shells! We found some very pretty ones. Jarem really enjoyed building sand castles with Eric. There are no cars on the island, only golf carts, so Grandma taught Alex how to drive a golf cart. Driving the golf cart was probably the highlight of his trip. Even when it ran out of battery, he didn't mind pushing. :)


Grandma driving the kids on the golf cart
Look who's driving now!
The girls and Jarem off the back.
Jarem and Eric building sand castles

The girls playing in the waves
Eric ready for some sun

Can you see all the shells Jesikah is sitting on? There were piles of shells everywhere.

Tessa and I walking on the beach.
All the kids and Eric building a wall to protect the precious shell.

Someone else built this huge alligator out of sand and Jarem wanted a picture by it.
Jesikah collecting shells
Playing in the water

The Seafood boil Mom and Steve served us the first night. It was good. There was corn on the cob, potatoes, shrimp, clams, and garlic with yummy sauces.

Sunset the first night. There were breathtaking sunsets there.

Sunset the second night

We had a wonderful and warm Thanksgiving break! The only bad part was the long drive home in traffic. Never drive through Atlanta on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. :)

Thanksgiving in Florida

We spent Thanksgiving in Florida with some of Eric's family this year. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner at Grandma Guelde's house. Eric's mom, grandma, and some aunts and uncles were all there (all of whom we haven't seen in a long time). We enjoyed renewing acquaintances with everyone. Now that we live closer, we hope to see them all more often.

The 10 1/2 drive to his grandma's house wasn't too bad. Unfortunately, Eric didn't get off until 7pm the night before Thanksgiving, so we drove all night to get there. We left around 8pm and got there between 7-8am. Thank heavens Eric is used to pulling those long nights of call because I couldn't make it more than 1 hour, and he drove the rest. What a trooper!

After dinner, we spent some time in the warm Florida sun on the deck by the pool. The kids swam in the pool (a little cold even in Florida), and we enjoyed an afternoon of visiting.
Jesikah, Tessa, and Jarem with their second cousins Marley and Allison sitting around Grandma Guelde's table having dessert.
Even in Florida the water is a little cold the last week in November. Jarem's expression says it all! :)

Tessa by the pool.

Alex and his cousin, Allison. They are almost the same age, and like doing the same type of things. All the kids played in the pool and played some football and ultimate frisbee outside after dinner.

The girls and cousins caught Alex taking a nap after the activities for the afternoon were done and tucked Barbie in with him. :)



Grandma Guelde and Uncle Bob

Aunt Debbie and Gary
Aunt Lisa and Uncle Denis

Everyone working together the day after Thanksgiving to roll some hay into Aunt Lisa's trailer.
They did it! All the kids, Eric, Aunt Lisa, and Grandma Guelde next to the hay.

Jarem in the Pillowcase!

Yesterday morning, I woke up to find Jarem sleeping like this in my bed. Sometimes he likes to sleep with the pillow over his head, but this time he was sleeping with his whole head actually INSIDE the pillowcase! It was pretty funny!

Happy 13th Birthday Alex!

Alex's 13th birthday was November 11. It's hard to believe that he is officially a teenager now. We are very grateful for the good boy that he is and the adventure he adds to our family! I'm a little slow at getting these posted due to our move, but here it is!

Alex surrounded by gifts. He looks pretty happy!

Yes, he's a little odd, but they still love him (at least sometimes :))

Alex's dinner of choice: pancakes! I know what you are thinking...what's up with the table. It was only a couple of days after we moved in and we didn't have a table yet, so Jesikah suggested we use this one--and it worked ok. We all kneeled around the table.

Jesikah's gift: Axe shampoo and body spray with a trial size for emergencies :)

Alex trying out the Axe...Jesikah proud that she picked something he likes! :)

Hmmm...what could this be?

Wow--an air-soft gun!

Whose gift is it anyway?

You're kidding...15,000 pellets (I don't have to tell you who did the shopping)!

Look at all those air soft pellets!

A full set of fatigues that even fit!

Hat and All!

Demonstrating the "crouch"!

Alex's choice of cake was the DQ cookie dough blizzard cake. Eric is doing the honors of cutting the cake.