Santa Came!

Santa Claus came and left us presents!

Hughes' pile - It was a Dino Christmas but he did get his first true Lego set and has since thoroughly enjoyed building the house. It took us several days, lots of hours, and was lots of fun. David and I had to step-back several times from taking over because it was very interesting to put together.

Banks' pile - It was a Batman Christmas. All this kid wants is Batman or any kind of Superhero toy.

Collins' pile - He got diapers, wipes, some new cotton outfits, a few new rattles, and a new stroller. You would think this being my 3rd child that I would have the stroller but I didn't. I consigned my single strollers when we had Banks. Then I had the double stroller and we consigned that this summer. I got a sit and stand type stroller before having Collins and I don't like it. It drives like a bus and is really hard to push and steer. Luckily I got it at a consignment store so I paid very little for it. So, lucky for me, Santa brought Collins a new stroller that is easy to push.

Sitting on the stairs before seeing what Santa left. I obviously dropped the ball on getting the boys cute Christmas pajamas. Hughes is in hand-me-down sports pajamas, Banks is in Halloween pajamas and Collins is the only child in a cute Christmas outfit. Oh well. On the bright side, the boys slept until 7:30am.

Hughes bursting through the paper. Banks decided to let Hughes do all the work this year.

His beloved Mighty Beanz. He's been asking for these for at least two months. What are they, you ask? I have no idea. Just a weighted been that has some crazy face. Apparently, you collect them and there are over 100 that you can collect. We have 12. I think we're good.

Loving the Spiderman costume. He put it on immediately.

His new Batman jet/motorcycle and car/monster truck. I hope Collins like Batman as much as Banks because we have just about every Batman toy possible.

Collins trying out his new ride. He approves.

BecBec and PopPop came over for brunch and brought more presents for the boys. Here they are opening their new art sets. They also got Transformers, lots of Auburn stuff, tailgating chairs, and a ton of other stuff. It was a crazy morning but lots of fun.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve was full of family & fun. We started with participating in St. Michaels' Christmas Pageant. Hughes & Banks were oxen, I was the Delivering Angel, and Collins was Baby Jesus. If you would have asked me beforehand who was more apt to not take the stage then I would have said Hughes. But, no. Hughes proved me wrong. He went right up there and sat perfectly through the entire program. Banks, on the other hand, decided he did not want to go up on stage but would rather prefer to sit with me which was fine except that I had to go up on stage to deliver Jesus. Well, this Delivering Angel was followed by the cutest ox!

Hughes did not want his picture taken so here is just one of my oxen.

Delivering Angel & Baby Jesus

Baby Jesus didn't do too hot during the pageant. He decided that he didn't like it and, well, the Delivering Angel had to go back on stage and retrieve Baby Jesus from Mary & Joseph. Jesus then had to leave the building because his wails were so loud. One nursing session later and Baby Jesus was back in his sweet normal form.

After the pageant, we then walked next door to the rectory to celebrate Christmas Eve. We had a great dinner and the kids got to open some presents.

Lucius, Bryce, Banks & Wimberly opening presents.

Hughes checking out How to Train Your Dragon DVD.

Family Picture

Surprise Anna Banks!

For our Christmas present to Anna Banks, we took her to get her ears pierced (with Bill & Michele's permission, of course). We kept it a secret until we were inside European. She was shocked to say the least.

This picture was taken probably about 2 seconds after we told her what we were doing. She thought we were getting our nails done. It was lots of fun to be able to do this for her and David got to witness his first ear piercing session. Hopefully, we won't ever witness any of our boys doing this!

She did perfect and immediately looked older with her earrings.

Merry Christmas Anna Banks! We love you and need to you to STOP GROWING UP!

Christmas Picture 2010

Sometimes I think I should start in August trying to get a Christmas picture! Next year, I just may do that!

These smiles were a result of a brownie bribery. I guess that's why Collins isn't smiling!

Newest Child of God

Yesterday we had Collins christened at St. Michaels. He was a little fidgety at first during the service but once we went to the front he just stared at everyone. He didn't quite like the water over his head but calmed down quickly once he was patted dry. We had a big crowd to witness the baptism and then we all came back to our house for lunch. It was a great day but not a lot of pictures were taken. I'm embarrassed to say that not one picture of David and I with Collins or with the godparents (Al & Elizabeth).

Grandchildren Shot - Banks(3), Hughes(5), Anna Banks(10), Collins(11wks.), Bryce(8), Emma(7), and Lucius(3)

"Seriously, Mom, what am I doing in this gown?"

This is a family christening gown and has the initials of everyone that has been baptized in it monogrammed on the bottom. Above are Banks' and Collins' initials.

I love that sleeping babe - he was exhausted!

Crustbreakers Weekend

This past weekend we went up to York to go to Crustbreaker's annual Christmas party. We always love to get dressed up and go have fun so we make sure to always be available for this party. We ended the night with a Wii competition of ski jumping and slalom.

Traditional Group Family Shot - Andrew, Deyna, Mrs. Pat, Dr. Dave, Me, David, Jackie & Neal

Picture at the Party

Picture before the party.

Kate and Banks enjoying some pizza before the babysitters took over.

Me and Mrs. Pat

David and his mom

The next day we visited the new children's museum in Rock Hill so the kids could run out some energy. The kids had a blast.

Pirate Banks and Pirate Kate

On the way back from Rock Hill, we stopped at GiGi's house to visit. She fed the boys cookies, milk and candy canes. She also got to see Collins for the first time and held him the entire time we were there.

Group shot with the grandchildren before we left. This is the best we could do.

Charlotte (1), Collins(10wks), Hughes(5), Banks(3), and Kate(4)

Christmas Lights - James Island Co. Park

Last week we ventured to see the Christmas lights at James Island County Park and, baby, it was cold! We met some friends to eat mexican before going and then we all headed over.

Banks, me and Hughes on the "train". Santa had to break out their new winter coats a little early. I think they did the trick and kept the boys warm!

The boys with their marshmallows. Of course, we didn't want to roast them. We just ate them like that. Collins barely made the picture. It was too cold to get him out of his seat.

The first ones in line to see Santa after his break. It was a good thing too because I think about 40 people followed us. This was the end of the night so we were glad to get our picture and head back to the heated car.

Me, Hughes, Conley & Chandler

Both boys went willingly to sit on Santa's lap - amazing! Banks said he wants a batman toy (shocker, not really) and Hughes wants lots of dinosaurs which he has but I'm thinking he means real dinosaurs. We're just not getting the extinction part yet. They both told Santa that Collins wanted a baby toy & diapers.

Below is a video of the boys singing Jingle Bells while sticking their heads out the sunroof while looking at the Christmas lights. They sing loudly and proudly!

Cookie Decorating

You can't catch me, I'm the Gingerbread Man!

Banks, Conley & Hughes

We're #1!

War Eagle!

Collins - Two Month Check-Up

Collins got an outstanding report from Dr. Geils. He usually sleeps pretty well at night only waking once. He continues to be an excellent nurser unless I eat something that he doesn't like. So far, he doesn't like vegetable soup (to much cabbage), tacos, and anything with a little spice.

Length: 23 1/4 inches 50 - 75%

Weight: 12.8 pounds 75%

Head Circ: 41.5cm 90%

He continues to eat every 3 hours during the day. He likes to be held and always gives great smiles. He will talk to you if you give him a chance and he likes to sleep in the car seat (which is where he sleeps at night). After Christmas, we're going to make the big transition to his crib.

Bath Time Fun

While giving Collins a bath, Banks decided he wanted to hop in. Collins looked at him strangely at first but soon loved having a brother in the tub with him. If you notice on Banks' chest & arms, he colored himself with a marker so he desperately needed a bath. Of course, in the bottom picture it looks like scratches but I promise it was just marker.

Look at that smile! Collins loved it.

(I hit something on the editing tool bar that made the color in this picture much more saturated. I couldn't figure out how to lower the intensity.)

New Floors

During the renovations from the flood we decided to change the color of our floors. Below is a before picture along with two after pictures. I love the dark color!

The den with no furniture before being ripped out.

Now, our new floors!

Collins - 8wks.

Collins is doing great. I can't say he's a regular 6-7 hour sleeper at night. We've seemed to regress to every 4 which is a huge disappointment to me. I'm looking forward to those 6-7 hour nights again. He's much more expressive and talkative day by day as well as having more awake time during the day. He's still eating every 3 hours during the day and I'm trying to push it to 4. I feel like all I do is nurse and I'm sure my brothers think so too after spending Thanksgiving with me.

The boys continue to dote on him and love to show him off. Hughes loves it when he smiles at him and Banks loves to show him his Batman toys. We're working on not getting in Collins' face especially with all these colds & runny noses going around.

BecBec & Collins

Thanksgiving 2010

We had a great Thanksgiving down at the creekhouse with my family. The weather was perfect and there was a ton of food. The boys thoroughly enjoyed all the attention especially from Anna Banks, Emma & Bryce not to mention the extra boy to play with (Lucius).

Banks and Collins ready for The Iron Bowl.

My boys

Gotta love that sweet face

Our babysitter Anna Banks - she was a huge help on Friday and Saturday!

Emma and Banks horsing around.

Of course, you can't not go shopping on Black Friday if you're with Becky soooooooo we left the creekhouse at 2:45am - yes, you read that correctly. Michele, mom and I left the creekhouse at 2:45am to get to Target at 3:30am. We weren't even close to being the first ones in line. Target didn't open until 4am and we probably had at least 300-400 people in front of us. I figured since I was up nursing anyway I might as well jump in the car. Now, this was Collins first Black Friday shopping trip (and probably the last) but he did great. Somehow being so far back in the line did not stop Becky from snagging one of the 46 inch tv's that Target had advertised. Mom can always find the deal!!! I got most of my Santa shopping done. We hit Toys'r Us afterwards and then had to fuel up at IHOP. After that it was about 10am and I was toast. Collins and I came back to the creekhouse to catch some naps before The Iron Bowl. Mom and Michele hit a few more stores.

And, what a way to end a Black Friday but with your team winning The Iron Bowl!!!! We had a great time watching it on the porch on the new tv down at the creekhouse. It is truly an experience to watch an Auburn game with Bull (Little Bill) not to mention the roller coaster the game was. We were all smiles the 2nd half and lots of celebration ensued after the clock ticked down.

It was a great weekend spent with family.