New Year's Eve

Brandon and I have always gone to Kanki on New Year's eve. This year we thought it would be fun to take the kids. They loved it. They didn't really love the food but they thought the fire was cool.
After lunch and a nap we decided to go down town and watch the acorn drop (@ 7:00 for the kids) Many of us were going, but several families decided not to go because of the cold, cold weather. The Richardsons were the only ones brave (or crazy) enough to come with us.
We started out at the Science museum where we fed the kids a picnic dinner on the floor of the museum. They we bundled up again and walked in the parade to where the acorn would be dropped. We had to wait a while for the big event to happen so we had to walk the kids around to keep them warm. Finally at 7:00 we were able to say Happy New year!!! It was exciting and a very special time with the kids but way to cold. Hopefully next year it will be a little warmer!!!

Christmas

Christmas was very exciting this year. Caden and Caroline woke up early to find many presents under the tree. Before opening them we walk through the Christmas story using our Little People nativity scene. After opening presents at home we then went to Maw Maw Scruggs' house. We ate breakfast and opened presents with everyone there. The kids had a great time playing with their cousins and seeing all of the MawMaws and PawPaws and aunts and uncles.
After naps we headed back to Raleigh to have dinner at Aunt Kris' house. The kids were able to play with their older cousins and see Grandma and Grandpa. Caden enjoyed watching the Planet Earth videos (but not the lions attacking the elephants).
Christmas was such a special day. We are so blessed to have so many family members to share it with.

The End of Ear Infections (we hope)

Before Christmas Caroline got her 7th ear infection. The doctor referred us to an ent. They wanted to put tubes in. So we scheduled the appointment the day before Christmas Eve.
We had to wake her up at 5:30 and be there at 6:00. Caden stayed with Grandma and Grandpa (and probably got less sleep than his sister). She couldn't have anything to eat or drink before the surgery. I thought it would be a nightmare but she did great. She handled the whole thing like a champ. When we got home she ate two bags of muffins and a banana then took at 4 hour nap. After that she was back to her normal fun-loving self. Hopefully we will not see any more problems with the ears. :)