Beach in December

Since we live in Tampa now, that means it's only a 'cool' 60 degrees on December 30th, and because Georgia has been begging to go- we had a little lunch on the beach today! And, because I got a new camera lens that I haven't played with enough yet! :) So -here's your warning- this is a long, picture-y post!
While we unpacked lunch...

Georgia unpacked the important stuff.

She was so excited, she couldn't contain it!


Grandad took her down to the water's edge...

water apparently makes pants fall off when you have no tushy!

Lincoln's turn to explore...

Ignore the sweatshirts- apparently the water was warm enough for my kids!

Flying with the seagulls!

Our attempt at a group picture...

but she was not stopping for us!

Finally it was time to take our little mudballs home for a good nap!

Anyone ready to come visit yet?! :)

Christmas 2009

We were blessed to celebrate Jesus' birthday together again this year! If you asked Georgia, that was what it was all about. When we pulled out the Santa decorations and she didn't even recognize the big jolly guy, I decided that was ok and we'd just keep it simple this year. I personally love the tradition and fun of Santa for later on, but wanted to make sure she understood the real meaning of the season first. And she's been very excited about celebrating several family birthdays recently and wanting to know who's birthday is next, so celebrating a birthday was something she 'got'! So anytime someone would ask her about Christmas, santa, presents, etc, her response was "appy bir-day to Jesus!" It was a great little reminder for all of us in the busyness of the holiday!

Georgia was excited to see that Santa ate the cookie she left out- next to Baby Jesus, since it's His Bday and all!

Here are some glimpses from our Christmas morning...

Lincoln trying out the kids' new wagon!

Georgia unwraps an art easel...

and made sure to tell us it's "MINE", like everything is these days!!

Besides wagon rides, Lincoln didn't really care about the unwrapping...

he thought presents were a great cushion for his new leather chair... (or maybe he was trying to hide that one from his sister!)

the paper was only good for eating... (don't you hate it when it sticks to your foot like that!?)

he preferred to give snuggles...

and wondered why his morning nap was being delayed so long!

Georgia & Uncle Wes

Georgia was very excited that we all got presents to celebrate Jesus' birthday and was a great elf- except she wanted to open it for you when she handed it to you.

which she was very good at!!

and didn't really want help...

A new toy for daddy (Xbox 360)...

a new toy for mommy (sewing machine!!)...

a new toy for Grandad & Grammie (a swing for their yard)...

but what could be more exciting than SOCKS!!

...until someone gives you chocolate! :)

Georgia tried out all the "coloring"...

and the kids played with their Water Table from the Phelps today! (Thanks, guys!)

Hope you had a very Merry Christmas and enjoyed celebrating this very special "appy Bir-day to Jesus"!!!