Happy Birthday Emma!!!

My dear college friend, Holly and my goddaughter, Emma paid us a much anticipated visit on Emma's birthday. The weather was beautiful and we all enjoyed playing outside. Blan was so thrilled to have his first overnight guest in his room that he had trouble keeping his head on his pillow - it was so much more interesting to just sit up and watch exhausted Emma sleep. Holly and I celebrated with lots of catching up and laughing, topped off with observing an exciting, late night, six car police chase through our neighborhood (a real hoot that Aaron had to remind us was really not that funny - "now get inside!"). We all enjoyed chocolate chip pancakes for birthday breakfast. It was a glorious time! Y'all come back soon!

It's been awhile.

To say we've been busy would be quite the understatement. I am already starting to look forward to the slower pace of summer. The latest remodeling project seems to be nearing the light at the end of a longer than expected tunnel. We hope to have it completed by April 1. So, we are looking forward to having some serious visitors soon!

Here are a few highlights from the last couple of months...

We joined Uncle Josh and Aunt Steele for a trip to The Greatest Show on Earth.

We all had a ball!

In awe.....

Blan made a very special Valentine's cake at school. It was quite tasty!

We had a wonderful Valentine's Day party at school. Nothing says love like getting your four year old all jacked up on pink cupcakes and lemonade.

Blan and his very best pal, Parker, taking a turn at the three legged race. It was actually pretty impressive!

We love some Seuss around here - we read it everyday. Blan dressed up as Yertle the Turtle for Dr. Seuss Day at school.

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

This morning we awoke to about 3 inches of snow. I heard Blan get up, walk out of his room and gasp as he saw the view outside the window.

"SNOW! Momma, get up and put on your snow suit! Let's go outside!

But, first I need some hot chocolate."

We enjoyed a good snowball fight (even though every time Blan bent down to pick up snow he fell over from his excessive padding), some fun, high speed sledding (thanks again for the great sled, Grammie and Pop) and some snowman building.

Blan's first snowman is named "Conductor" - because he is a train driving snowman.

Of course.

A visit with Mema

It is amazing to watch my 4 year old son and my almost 90 year old grandmother together. My sweet Mema and Blan have a very special bond. It's as if the 85 years between them vanish when they visit. They laugh and play and neither one questions the other. They understand each other. What a blessing to witness love in its purest form. These are moments I will always hold dear.

Mema tells Blan the story of "Mouse Pie," as she always does and as was told to me years ago.

Merry Christmas!

What a wonderful Christmas! Here are some pics from the day.

Blan and his elevator marble track from Santa.



Blan seriously wanted a nutcracker!

The sled is from Grammie and Pop. They joined us for Christmas breakfast and too many presents! Let it snow!!!! Please!!!!

And over to Mimi and Poppie's (still in our pajamas - I love it!) for lunch and more presents. The awesome race track is from Uncle Josh and Aunt Steele.

I think he likes it.

A Blan sandwich.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Christmas Eve 2007

It is so good to be home. For years I have longed to host Christmas Eve surrounded by our family. This Christmas Eve we had 15 here in our new home. We feasted on seafood stew (Aunt Syl's recipe and a true labor of love), celebrated new beginnings, enjoyed the company of our most cherished and felt the absence of those not with us. Thank you, Father, for all of our family and all of our blessings.

Blan, Poppie and Mimi

Blan loves his Aunt Steele.

You could feel Blan's excitement that night and it was contagious. It brought back memories of anticipation from the Christmas Eves of my own childhood. What wonderful things are in store for him. I can't wait to watch it all!

All Aboard the Polar Express!

This is by far our best Christmas season yet. I am seeing daily the magic of this holiday through the eyes of a four year old and it is awe-inspiring and filled with wonder. We just took a much anticipated trip to Bryson City to board the Polar Express for the North Pole. To say that Blan was excited is the understatement of the year. He didn't even mind the car ride to the far western part of NC. In fact, he kept us entertained during the long drive with his puzzling Christmas riddles, such as "When you need sumpin', then you get sumpin'. If you ask for it, then you might get it. Santa rides in it and he brings the toys in it. Can you guess what it is?" He had us in stitches for the better part of the drive. If you've never been to Bryson City, it is a charming little town that comes alive at Christmas. There is a large model train museum there that is pretty impressive and, of course, there is the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad.

We browsed around enjoying the museum. Blan donned his pajamas and we waited outside patiently in the cold mountain mist to board our passenger car. Blan was a bit disappointed when he realized that the Polar Express was misrepresented by a diesel engine and wasn't an actual steam engine. But, he quickly got over it once we were on board. We were served hot chocolate and chocolate covered Santas as we read together the story and sang Christmas carols and watched the lights of the "North Pole" go by. The highlight was Santa boarding the train. My child has a good, healthy fear of the big man, but we had taken the time to write out a letter to Santa and nothing, not even a possible nightmare spurred by his close proximity, was going to keep Blan from giving him that letter with his wish list. We even got a picture, albeit a blurry one, of them with their arms around each other! Santa autographed Blan's copy of The Polar Express and then went on his merry way. It was truly magical and an experience I know we will all remember.

"Could that be Santa boarding???"

Blan watched intently as Santa made his way to our seats.

Merry, Merry Christmas!!!!!