Church Christmas pageant

The Christmas program at church was, once again, fun and crazy. This year I was "recruited" (really, I had no choice in the matter) to be a shepherd mom so I had to shepherd the shepherds - NOT an easy task. Sam was, obviously, a shepherd and Brice maintained Whitley tradition by being the donkey. Both boys were precious, if I do say so myself!

Afterwards, we went to Gmama & Papa's for a quick supper and an attempt at a family picture.

Our Christmas 2010

Within five minutes this is how Santa's pretty display of gifts looked!


Brice was so proud of the bracelets he chose for me.


Warm, fuzzy, snuggly boots from MY Santa! And, they proved themselves yesterday in the ice storm, keeping my feet warm & dry all day long. Love them!

Brian's favorite gifts...books about ex libris book plates - his newest collection/hobby.

We have a complete stockpile!

The best gifts EVER!

We had fun at Grammy's Christmas night.

Tis the Season...

...for tons of activity and loads of FUN! Here's what we've been up to:


Our elf, Zeebee is silly...just like the fellas in this house!

Sam's holiday program and party at school.

As an Eagle's Nest "alum", Sam introduced Brice and Brice then welcomed everyone to the Christmas program. We were SO proud!

Sam got to join in the program too!

So precious saying the blessing. Glad I caught this moment!

Mommy & Sam had a date to see the play Annie. As we walked to the car afterwards, Sam was asking when he could be in a play. Seems as though we have a thespian on our hands!

Old-fashioned Christmas parade in Bolingbroke.


A visit with Santa Claus!

November...

I don't think I've even been so far behind on blogging that I've done an entire month in one post but, no time like the present, right? So, here's November...

We started the month at Fly South Fest. Outdoors by the river, cool weather, cool music and cool company!

Sam's first school program.

Just a normal, silly moment. And a (not-so-normal) sweet moment that I was lucky to capture!

Our campsite at Black Rock Mountain.

Grammy and her grands!

My wonderful cousin, Christy, and sweet SIL, Beth.

Campfire...gotta burn those beer boxes!

An intense game of UNO.

Our last day at the state's highest state park.

A not-so-successful Thanksgiving photo.

Our turkeys...one that got fried, one that did the frying, and one playing with Barbie Dolls.

A Thanksgiving tradition...making Reindeer Food at Grammy's.

Sam's favorite part of Thanksgiving...learning to ride without training wheels!!!

Brian is learning the craft of woodcutting, making some really pretty prints, and Sam is perfecting his comic art drawing skills.

Halloween

Before another holiday comes & goes...here's our Halloween!

Fun night carving the pumpkin.


The costume contest at our church's All Hallows Eve event.



I surprised the boys by dressing up too!

And this was their reaction!

Brian got in on the fun too and we all had a great time. We're dressing up every year!

And this is how the boys spent a beautiful Halloween afternoon, before trick-or-treating.