Bunk Beds, Black Tie, Cowboys, Legos, iPhone, Teething

Some things going on in our casa....

1.  New bunk beds for the boy!  The boy has slept on the top bunk every night for two weeks and so far so good.  He thinks he's big stuff and tells every friend, stranger and acquaintance about them.  He is pretty excited to say the least.   

2.  Time to celebrate!  My boy got invited to his company's black tie Recognition dinner!  So proud of him.  He has put in lots of long and hard hours.  Being on 100% commission is not always an easy task supporting a family of four but the Lord has been faithful to provide and it is rewarding to start to see the fruits of his labor.  

We had a fabulous night getting all dressed up and going to Hotlanta to be wined and dined.  Thanks to Grammy and Pops for coming up and keeping our little ones for the night.  We could not have done it with out them.

2.  Cowboy birthday parties are fun.

 4.  Legos are very popular around here.  From the oldest down to the youngest.

5.  Guess who got an iPhone???  I did.  I did.  I can hardly contain myself.    

6.  Last but not least....we will have a teething celebration when our youngest finally gets her eye teeth in.  Wowzers.  It has been a family affair and I can't remember the last time I slept through the night.  

Just because

I took my two love bugs to Krispy Kreme this week just because. 

Just because I love them and just because I think they are the darn sweetest things around. 

And don't think this mama didn't get a sweet treat too.  

We all had a very swell time. 

Boys.

Some house pics and New Year's Eve

Some of you have been asking for pictures from the new house.  I keep waiting until we are "finished" with everything and I have come to the realization that probably won't happen for a really long time or maybe not until we get to heaven.  So, for now here is a picture of our family room while decorated for Christmas.  We snapped the pictures while it was all clean before hosting part of our New Year's Eve progressive dinner.  Welcome! 

Nick and I love opening our home to others.  We feel like the Lord blessed us with this house to share it with others.   We hosted the dessert part of our annual New Year's Eve progressive dinner this year.  If you want to know how we organize it and how it got started you can read more here.  This was our eighth year and we had close to 65 people which is much bigger than in the years past but super fun!  They are mostly church friends but we open it up for people to invite others so it is by no means an exclusive event.

I did not take any pictures during appetizers or the main course stop but here are a few from our house.  Drinks were served in the kitchen....

Desserts were served in the fireplace room...

I made a Chocolate Gingerbread-Toffee cake (recipe here).  Great recipe if you are looking for a unique but delicious cake.  We also had a cheesecake and red velvet cake. 

Nick got the back deck and fire pit ready...

Some of the girls counting down until midnight.

11:58, 11:59, midnight ......Happy New Years everyone!!!  

Mountain Time

The day after Christmas we headed to this cozy destination tucked away in the mountains of Mentone,  Alabama.  It was a reunion, send-off, family vacation or whatever you want to call a week spent with my family saying goodbye to Sara, Bradley, Hannah and Becca.  It was the last week we were all together before they headed off to do mission work in the Ukraine for three years.  It was a week filled with laughter, squeals, eating, hiking, catching up and many tears.  

Here is a peak into our week....

The cabin seriously looked like it belonged in a LL Bean magazine.

The kitchen was fully stocked with plenty of food (there is never a lack of good food when Gigi is around!) and some crazy kiddos.  

The first night we celebrated Mary's birthday with some delicious Chuey's mexican food and some chocolate pie.

Day 2 was rainy and cold so we tried to keep the kids busy doing indoor activities like....

 **Making Gingerbread Houses**

Between me, Bradley and Mary we are in a constant state of taking pictures.  Seriously, you would think we were the paparazzi.    

**Roasting hotdogs in the outdoor fireplace**

**Relaxing by the fire**

**Coloring**

As soon as weather cleared up a little we bundled up and went out back to explore.  After being cooped up all morning the kids were in heaven getting to run free.  

Day 2 we went to Desoto State Park and saw these beautiful waterfalls followed by some hiking.  

Our 21 attempts at a family picture were highly unsuccessful.  

The safety rails were all but safe.  It was slightly stressful making sure we had a hold of all the kids from falling over the cliffs.  

But it was absolutley gorgeous none the less. 

Day 3 we went to another state park and saw more magnificent waterfalls.  

We clearly put all three of our Ergos to good use. 

Then the hiking began and this little girl won the the Biggest Trooper Award.  She hiked the WHOLE way to the "top" of the mountain.  When Nick asked her if she wanted him to hold her she would say, " I OK daddy."  She was a determined little sucker.  

Cooper led the pack with his excitement and enthusiasm!  The kids were all trooper and were loving being in the great outdoors.  

Here is Porter taking a water break.

Woohoo!!!  The whole clan successfully made it to the "top".  We aren't really sure if it was the top but it was a good turn around point so the kids could make it back before collapsing or having meltdowns.  

After a picnic lunch at the park and naps back at the cabin we were graced by the presence of 8 of the cutest super heroes around. 

We ended the evening with s'mores roasted in the outdoor fire pit.  

The last morning we huddled around the living room to pray for Sara and Bradley as we said our good byes.  It was a time filled with tears as we sent them off wrapped in our loving Father's arms.  It is hard for them to leave but we know they have been faithful and obedient servants to go share God's love.  We will miss them (we already miss them!) but look forward to our reunion when they return.  And in the meantime we are all the more grateful for Skype:)

Thank you Gigi and PoppyDoc for allowing us to have such a wonderful get away so we could all be together.  It was an unforgettable week!