Christmas Eve in Rock Hill

The Christmas Eve children's mass at our church is VERY well-attended. Until we build a new church, it will be packed. Thanks to our wonderful Daddy for helping save us some seats! It also gave us the opportunity to see friends like Kaitlyn.

And sweet baby Allison

Plus, her big sister Katie, who is "curious" (like George) with Eleanor to explore the manger

Emerson got tired during his first Christmas mass but took the opportunity to go #2, right in the middle of the readings

I think he is telling me to "Just put me to bed!" here- he couldn't wait to see what Santa brought him!

With everyone in Rock Hill this year (sister Jen & family, sister Leanna & husband, plus Mom & Dad Gette) the space under the Christmas tree was scarce! It makes me happy though

Stockings for all the kids- Emerson, Eleanor,  Landon & Mikayla (I think the 5th one is for me- thanks Nakia!!)

I enjoyed getting stockings with their names on them this year. Maybe next year, Mommy & Daddy will have some too!

Our little monkeys

Whew, where did March go?? In like a Lion, out like a lamb or is that April? Either way, I am attempting to get caught up- considering I haven't even posted pics from Christmas!! I do have to say that the poor second child is not getting his fair share of pictures. But he is getting lots of love and attention, which take away time from the blog, so that is my excuse :) 

Our sweet, blue-eyed monkey

A boy of many facial expressions, even sideways..

And killer eyelashes to go with those baby blues!

Eleanor amazes me at her ability to navigate on the computer. She uses a free web browser called Kidzui, which is so user-friendly, but she catches on so quickly! She can even use the touch pad instead of the mouse now. I love to watch her learn and grow.

Bonding Time

So far, Eleanor and Emerson love to be around each other! Eleanor even shared her Princess & the Frog pillow with Emerson for some cuddle time

She also cooks him something yummy in her kitchen while he supervises

Eleanor loves to join Emerson on his activity mat and give him hugs

Not sure what she was telling him, but I see a future of teamwork!

Most cuddling takes place in our bed, as Emerson is good at leaning against the pillows

I love my smiling, happy, beautiful children!!

I think they will be best friends forever

Eleanor is teaching Emerson to join her in one of her favorite activities- watching some TV

I feel so blessed to have two children that care about each other so much!

Bath Time



This cutie in the towel LOVES his baths!

I think we will all enjoy it when Eleanor & Emerson can be in the same tub

We have fun with Eleanor's paint/markers in the tub

Eleanor caught in action

Silly Eleanor

I guess she is thirsty!

Our Christmas tree decorations

Since we found out that Nakia was allergic to the tree, Mommy had to put the lights on this year

Eleanor was a big helper with the ornaments this year

Time to place the star on top!

It's a very serious job to get the ornaments in the perfect place

This new reindeer is our best addition to Christmas 2010!

Not sure how he likes being a reindeer though

He looks better as Santa's little helper 

Our perfect Christmas decorations

Who's the man in the red suit?

Santa!! Eleanor was so happy to see him & tell him what she wanted- Board games, Hi-O Cherry-O & Chutes and Ladders to be exact AND a Zhu-zhu pet.

Emerson wasn't too sure what to think of him, especially because he kept tickling his feet

I think he is getting more comfortable with him

Group shot!

It is too hard to get everyone looking at the same time

Seeing Santa at another party, Eleanor just did a drive-by this time.

Christmas Tree Farm



Don't we fit right in with the gourdhead family at Penland Christmas Tree Farm? This was our third year to get our Christmas tree there and we will continue to do so! It is such a fun experience!

Eleanor knows exactly what she is looking for & tells Daddy where to go- she wanted a Cedar tree this year

"What does this tag say, Mommy?"

And here's our tree!

Too bad we couldn't take the Santa tree home with us

Time to get it ready to go home with us

She is definitely taller than last year!

Of course, we warm up by roasting some marshmallows

And eating them, of course!

I think Emerson enjoyed his first Christmas tree buying experience, although he slept through most of it

Of course, it is Daddy's job to put the tree on the car! Next, decorating time!