Crustbreakers 2009

This past weekend, David and I headed to York to go to the Centennial Celebration of Crustbreakers. Crustbreakers is a men's social group that David's dad belongs to. We had a great time and enjoyed getting to spend time with his family and friends.

While we were at the party, the kids were back at the house with a babysitter. Hughes and Kate played beautifully together while Banks tagged along and Charlotte slept. The funniest thing that happened was the older children got into some shampoo and decided to try to wash their hair without water. Banks got the most in his hair! There was no need for soap at bathtime that night!

On Sunday, we stopped by St. Matthews to visit with family that was in town from Texas. My cousin, Jeff, was graduating from USC and my mom had a big lunch in his honor. Later that day, we went to support mom in her handbell choir Christmas concert. The boys were perfect throughout the 30 minute concert and, I think, really enjoyed it. Of course, they liked the cookies even more!

Banks and Anna Banks

Farewell Advent Calendar

The Advent Calendar has been raided! In fact, the Advent Calendar that I hid on top of the refrigerator has been raided! Truth be told, a little 4-year old boy who loves chocolate was found with evidence all over his face and repeating over and over again "sorry". I hope Jack the Elf doesn't rat him out to Santa!

Impromptu Santa Picture

While in Columbia, we did some shopping. Well, who other than Jolly Ol' St. Nick was coming back from his lunch break right when we walked by. We quickly got in line. I was a little uncertain as to if the boys were going to sit on Santa's lap. Hughes hopped on up with no hesitation. Banks on the other hand needed some cajoling which, in turn, ended up with me in the picture. I told Santa that I needed new tires. Right now on the list is a jet plane for Hughes and an airplane for Banks. That's all they want. Everytime I suggest something else, they say no. They think Santa can only bring one gift. If I was smart I would keep it that way. Before too long, they'll be wanting Wii's, tv's, cameras, etc.

One Last Christmas Post

So, this post is out of order.  Before we left Charleston to head to our families, we had our family Christmas.  The boys got to open their presents from  us.  It was nice and quiet and the boys had a great time.  We  went to dinner at Miyabi's which I thought the boys would love.  Hughes was scared of the fire and Banks was totally  not interested .  Oh well, when we got home they really got interested.  

Banks enjoying Whack a Mole (Hughes' gift).

Hughes playing with the Leapfrog magnet/matching game (Banks' gift)
Banks loved his car.  In fact, Hughes loved it, too!  

We're going to the zoo, zoo, zoo - How about you, you, you?

The Saturday after Christmas, we met some of my St. Matthews friends at the Riverbanks Zoo.  Between Ashley, Julie and myself there are 5 children and one on the way (no, it's not me).  It was a little overcast but pleasant.  There was hardly any one there.  We had a great time catching up and letting the kids play around.  We headed to the Vista for lunch afterwards where the kids were perfect once again.  It was truly a great adventure.

Check out these love birds!  The zoo has this exhibit where you can go into the birds' free flying area - yeah, sounds great, huh?  Well, not when they have diarrhea!  David and I braved the cage with the boys.  When I first walked in, one immediately flew down and sat on my shoulder.  I was scared stiff!  He quickly flew off after realizing I had not bought any nectar to feed him.  David got pooped on but lucky for him he had on a windbreaker so it came off real easy with some wipes.  I, too, got hit but just a little on the cuff of my coat.  At that point, we decided to leave the birds to themselves and get the hell out of dodge!

Snack Time!

Anna Parker and Grayson Cuttino, Kate Wehman, Banks and Hughes Holman

The husbands opted out of this photo.

When we started to head home, we quickly learned of 26 being at a standstill thanks to a timely phone call from Ashley.  We averted the traffic  and hit the backroads.  You forget how interesting the backroads of SC can be!

Christmas Day in St. Matthews

We had Christmas day in St. Matthews.  I don't have a lot of pictures from opening presents but here are a few random shots.  We got some Lightning McQueen bedroom slippers, McDonald's cash register, and a lot of other goodies.

Banks likes to wear his daddy's socks and, oh yeah, a springform pan as a necklace.

Santa was good!

Santa also visited the boys in St. Matthews at my parents' house.  Hughes loved his 4-wheeler.  We're still practicing on how to steer it but he loves it, nonetheless.  We had to leave it in St. Matthews until this wkend until we can go back to get it.  There was just no room - it was either leave the kids or the 4-wheeler - Don't ask me which one I was volunteering!

Santa Came!

Christmas morning was a whirlwind.  I'm not quite sure Hughes got what was happening but he sure did love all the new toys.  Below are some pictures of the boys checking out their new stuff.

Can you tell I'm forcing the talking Cookie Monster on Banks?  
Hughes playing with the Batman motorcycle and a dinosaur at the same time - multitasker!
What boy do you know who Santa brought two pairs of shoes to:  cowboy boots and winter crocs with dogs on the front?
Drinking out of our new Thomas the Tank Engine cup - Santa really knew what to bring these boys!
Banks giving his gas pump a ride.

Christmas Eve in York

This was our attempt at getting all three children to stand in front of the tree before the Christmas Eve service at church.  Kate was all for it as long as she was the only one in the picture but when the boys jumped in all she could say was "My tree, my tree".  So, unfortunately this is the picture - cute story, crummy picture.

Getting ready for bed so that Santa could come visit.

Picture Time

Christmas Pictures of the boys - one in their Christmas outfits and one in Christmas pajamas.

Playdate Christmas Party

On Friday morning, our neighborhood playdate has its annual Christmas Party.  The boys had a blast!  I'm not sure if it was the spirit of the party or just dumb-luck but Hughes and Banks were both in fantastic moods.  Hughes stood in front of the tree for his picture and said "cheese" - which is a first.  Banks walked around the house just checking everything out.  

Conley and Hughes playing some music together.  This trumpet was the toy of the party.  Thanks Thomas for sharing with us!  Santa is all shopped out so maybe next year Hughes. 

Check out that 3 year old - growing by leaps and bounds every day!
Suzie wrangling the kids for a group shot.  Banks was tired at that point.
Here is the entire playdate - lots of kids, lots of fun, lots of holiday cheer!

We Survived!

After being quarantined since Wednesday in the house, I think we have survived the stomach virus!  Now, let's pray David nor I get it.  Banks came down with it on Wednesday with Hughes following on Thursday.  I think a Christmas present to me will be to get my carpets and furniture cleaned.  Anywho, I just wanted to let you know that we survived and I pray that we don't get it again for a very long time - at least not until everyone knows to hit the toilet!

Now, on to getting a Christmas tree and decorating!  YEAH!

Christmas Questionnaire

I received this questionnaire from a friend and thought I would post it.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? wrapping paper

2.. Real tree or Artificial? real

3. When do you put up the tree? I try to do it the weekend after Thanksgiving

4. When do you take the tree down? before new year's

5. Do you like eggnog? no, I find it disgusting

6. Favorite gift received as a child? all the notes Santa would write us explaining why we didn't have a present (fish don't like to fly so go to Wal-Mart to pick some out, go-cart to big for the sleigh but it's coming in the mail)

7. Hardest person to buy for? dad

8. Easiest person to buy for? Hughes and Banks

9. Do you have a nativity scene? BecBec started one for the boys

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? mail

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?  Size 16 windsuit, it was a joke but I still remember my shock when I looked at the size

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Christmas Vacation

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? June - I'm always trying to find the perfect gifts

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? oh yeah

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? ham right out of the oven

16. Lights on the tree? white - nonflashing

17. Favorite Christmas song? Silent Night and anything by children

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? travel 

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? yes

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? bow

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? David,the boys and I open our presents to each other before we start traveling so really around the 22nd.  As a child, we opened all our presents on the 24th and then Santa came on the 25th.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? "happy holidays" instead of "merry christmas"

23. Favorite ornament theme or color.  the ones I've bought for the boys from places we've traveled to

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? traditional dinner: turkey, ham, sweet potato casserole, green beans, biscuits, etc. etc.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? health and happiness for all my family and friends and if Santa could throw in a maid that would be great