Daddy's Girl

The girls got this 4-wheeler powerwheel for Christmas. They love it...Daddy loves them on it even more! :)

Grandpa's Birthday

And we got to celebrate Grandpa's 57th birthday!

More Christmas!

The girls got more Christmas when my parents came to visit.  Nothing like being spoiled by the grandparents!

Christmas!

Wow!  We are full.  Not just with cookies, candy and Honey Baked Ham.  But with life.  With love.  What a wonderful Christmas day we had.  Just our little family of four.  For the whole day.  Daddy didn't have to go into work at all today, or tomorrow and the next day for that matter.  That hasn't happened since Ben's been playing.  We were so looking forward to it and the day didn't disappoint.  Little Whitney came into our room at 7am saying there were presents under the tree and wondering if it was Christmas morning.  When I told her it was, she was so excited jumping around our room.  Then we all went in to wake up Lindsey.  She was so sweetly excited.  The girls were spoiled with gifts from Santa and family.  We all stayed in our pjs all day, except me, I did shower.  And then immediately put on another set of pjs. :) The girls didn't eat a meal all day.  It started with candy in their stockings and pretty much continued with that theme throughout the day.  They literally ate candy.  All. Day.  It was a great day.  One I will always remember.  The girls were so sweet.  They were so excited about the gifts.  Of course.  It's Christmas.  But I was amazed at how thankful they were for what they got.  They didn't whine or complain about wanting more or not getting something of the right color or type.  Things we worry about.  And pray that we don't raise them to love the things of this world.  And then Whitney wrapped up the day with this, (right before bed and right after her brownie and Reese Tree), "I love Christmas.  It's a lot of fun.  The presents and Santa are really fun, but it's really all about Him."  And she looked up.  Man, that was awesome.  That IS what it's all about.  So thankful they're getting it and that He's the one allowing them to see it.  We are full.

Christmas Eve

Our sweet little things, on our way to Christmas Eve church.

Last Home Game

The last home game of the season, and there's only one more game left this year.  So weird how fast this year went.  Almost 8 seasons in the books.  Remarkable.  The Panthers had a big win over Tampa Bay and Ben even got to play some toward the end.

Playing in the Rain

So, we love the south.  Obviously.  We've decided to live here, raise our girls here.  And when I can let my girls play outside in the rain, in December, three days before Christmas, because it's 65 degrees plus outside, well, that just makes me love the south a little bit more!  Don't get me wrong.  I'd like to be building a snowman with them too, but not dealing with the bitter cold is spectacular!

Cookies!

It's cookie time at our house.  Santa will be expecting some good ones I'm sure!  Whitney did a really good job decorating and I think both girls loved playing in the flour more than actually cutting the cookies!

Award Day

Yesterday was the last day of gymnastics and award day.  That little ribbon is a big deal for these little girls.  Whit says she wants to continue gymnastics.  Mama thinks her energy could be burnt out more effectively elsewhere, but we'll see. :)