Let it snow!!!!

Wow! The kids were so excited when they woke up to find 6 inches of snow on the ground. We bundled up in many layers of clothes and went out. Caden absolutely loved every part of the snow. Caroline was a little unsure. She liked it but she kept getting snow in her boots and that irritated her.
Later daddy took the kids to a hill nearby and the kids got to go sledding with grandma and grandpa. Mommy couldn't sled because of baby in the belly. After a day in the snow the kids enjoyed drinking hot chocolate with lots of marshmallows.

Valentine's Day with friends

The week of Valentine's day we had friends come over and celebrate with us. We made crafts, read a story of God's love for us and gave out Valentine cards. The kids probably enjoyed eating the candy the most!!!!

Baby #3 is a boy!!!!

We took Caden to the OBGYN to see if baby was a boy or a girl. He was a little overwhelmed but enjoyed seeing baby on the screen. The baby looked great! Praise the Lord! It is definitely a boy! Boy, Girl, Boy!!! God has blessed us so much. We can't wait to meet our 3rd "C".

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. :)

Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve Grandma, Grandpa and the Richardsons came over to eat pizza and then we went to church together. The kids did pretty well in church. Caroline did have to go out and walk around a bit. Caden really enjoyed singing Silent Night and lighting the candle. We chose not to let Caroline light hers:) After church MawMaw, PawPaw, Aunt Kristin and Uncle Patrick came over to open gifts. Caden loved his new remote control truck and Frog game. Caroline loved all of the "babies". We had such a great night!!!

Christmas Crafts

Before Christmas Molly and her two boys came over and we made several reindeer crafts and snacks. Caden and Jackson enjoyed learning reindeer facts and the crafts but I think Caroline and Drew enjoyed painting the most (When Caroline wasn't eating it). They had a lot of fun and made very cute ornaments to hang on the tree. Thanks Molly!

Daddy's Birthday!

The kids and I woke up early on Daddy's birthday to bring him breakfast in bed. We made him pancakes and brought him his paper. The kids were so excited to give him his gifts also.
Later that week we went to Chili's and celebrated with the Barbours. After dinner we were able to take a sleigh ride around Brier Creek. The horse's name was Charlie.
On Sunday we had family over to celebrate also. Wow, Daddy had a lot of celebrating that week. I guess "33" is a big deal!!!! We love you Daddy!!!

Decorating the tree

It is a family tradition to put up our tree the weekend of Thanksgiving. This year Caden was able to help a lot. He really enjoyed putting the ornaments on and learning about the meaning of each one.
Caroline was so excited when she woke up from her nap and saw this wonderful "thing" with lights and so many pretty things to touch. At first she wanted to touch every ornament and then after several strong "no's" she eventually gave up.
The kids love the tree and all of the wonderful lights outside that daddy worked so hard on. Christmas is great but having the kids makes it absolutely wonderful!!

PJ Party at Grandma's

We were going to Grandma's for dinner. Caden thought it would be fun to make it a pj party too. So we called Grandma and Grandpa and asked them to on their pjs too. We went over ate dinner, danced and played with toys. Grandpa won for the best pjs.

Maw Maw. E's house

Turkey Day

We had a great Thanksgiving Day! First we went to Uncle Norman's house. Caden had a great time jumping on the trampoline with his cousins and daddy. Caden and Tyler enjoyed playing with the light bright in the pantry (while also eating snacks). We had a great meal and had fun.
After lunch we went to Maw Maw Scruggs' house. We were able to eat another huge dinner full of turkey and lots of other yummy foods. We love Maw Maw's green beans, mash potatoes and especially the chocolate pies. Caden and Caroline were able to help their cousins decorate Maw Maw's tree. That was a lot of fun too. The high light of Caden's night was the fact that he was able to have a sleep over with his cousin Sarah. They slept in the same bed and talked until 11:00. He was tired the next day!
The next day we went over to Maw Maw .E's house. Caden met his 2nd cousin Dylan and they had a lot of fun together. Maw Maw had Caden's favorite ham and banana pudding which everyone loved.
God has just blessed us so much with so many family members to spend Thanksgiving with. We are truly thankful!!!