A huntin' we will go!

Pappy took the big kids on a hunting trip!

Harlan has been saying for the last week or so that

he really wants to go hunting!

Yesterday, he told me, "I'm just gonna take a little nap,

and then I'm gonna go deer huntin'!"

So when Pappy said, "let's go!", 

the kids were ecstatic!

They shoved feet into boots, coats onto backs, 

and loaded up their (toy) guns.  

Pappy walked them back to the woods, to the deer stand, 

where he keeps emergency supplies (like toys and snacks!). 

They were gone about 30 minutes, and didn't see any deer, 

but that did not dampen their spirits! 

It was great!

Christmas at Pappy's

Christmas at Nana and Pappy's!

Wavy & Nana are the best of friends.  

They colored on one of Wavy's new purses, one that you can decorate all by yourself!

Pappy always has a lap full!

The boys love sitting with Pappy in his big chair 

and playing games on the ipad together.

Shelby and Nana helped 

open this so that the girls could play! 

We are a big fan of 'My Little Ponies'!

 What a nice and relaxing Christmas!

We wish you merriment too!

Of the many gifts under the tree...

Family is the most important to me!

Because illness has once again struck during the holidays, we didn't get to celebrate with our extended family and we truly missed everyone!  

We did make a trip to Baby Gail's for a visit.

Uncle Map helped Harlan unwrap presents...

Waverly's face when she unwrapped her Elsa doll

(from Frozen, in case you've been abducted by aliens for the past year or so and

didn't know this...).  It was priceless!

Trucks and books and goodies!

We had a fantastic time visiting and missed our other pieces! 

Hope to see everyone soon!

Christmas Morning

Happy Christmas to all!

Santa came to our house, 

bearing gifts!

Even Charlie had a little present on the tree!

Christmas morning comes early around here...

Waverly and Harlan were happy to feel the love and see what all 

Santa had brought them for being good!

There was that initial race to the tree...

and then they had to look at each and every thing! 

Both loved receiving games! 

Harlan was happy to see "Hungry, Hungry Mrs. Hippo"

which kept us laughing all morning!

Happy Christmas!

Christmas Eve

As is tradition, 

we had just a few presents from Momma to open on Christmas Eve!

It's also tradition to receive pajamas on Christmas Eve each year, 

just like I did as a kid (and still do!)

The kids were ecstatic to finally be opening presents

after being so patient all season long.  

Tonight they opened the gifts I chose to go with 

my Christmas strategy.  

Because my children are so very fortunate to be spoiled something silly

during holidays, I decided to jump on board with the 4 gifts of Christmas idea. 

I try to stick with just 4 gifts:

Something you want, 

something you wear, 

something to read, 

and something to share!

After we checked everything out, 

tried on our new jammies, 

and watched a Christmas movie, (The Grinch, of course!)

it was sweet dreams of sugar plums as we waited for Santa!

Merry Christmas Eve!

The art of gift wrap

 Wavy & Harlan helped me wrap presents this year.

They did great!

Our Impish Elf

Our little Ella can be a bit mischievious...

such as when she decided to get into my craft supplies...

But at least she did a nice job making decorations! 

Ella has also joined a band, 

apparently as the lead drummer...

She's made Christmas trees, 

snowmen and reindeer, 

and once she even dressed up like a teenage mutant ninja turtle!

(Yes, I have more fun with this than the kids do.... almost!)

Sticky Tape

From the next room I hear, 

"Mom!  You're out of sticky tape!"

Me: "Um, Harlan, did you use it all?"

Harlan: "Yes!  I am building a house for sissy!"

Made only out of sticky tape. 

Let's hope that its truly the thought that counts.

Hard at work

The mechanic...

and his assistant.

What?  Didn't you know that Snow White is a pro with a hammer?

Lights Under Louisville

We had a great time at Lights Under Louisville!

This is becoming a family tradition!

This year, we rolled through the caverns

in Daddy's semi-truck! 

That's right, we are cool!

The kids enjoyed the lights, 

almost as much as I did! 

It's always amazing to view the creativity and 

really get into the Christmas spirit!

Come along with me, I'm turning 3!

Choo-choo!  Harlan is no longer 2!

We celebrated his big birthday with vintage trains.

The birthday boy needed a nap before party time...

We had a blast with the photo props!

Harlan was glad to be a conductor!

He loves his hat and train whistles.  

These were party favors for all of our guests.

We even had a real working train!

It has lights and a train whistle blows!

And a train of his very own...

well, to play in anyway!

Waverly even went for a ride!

'Coal' cupcakes were perfect for the birthday boy.  

He was quick on those candles!

Harlan was excited to have so many gifts!

He was thankful, too!

Aunt Phyllis wins the favorite gift award this year...

Harlan unwrapped a new set of tools and he was off to his bedroom to work on his truck!

He did return to open the remaining gifts...

including a new bike! 

Happy birthday, little man! 

I am truly honored to be your momma!

Ella's Antics

Have you been curious as to what our little elf

has been up to?  

She's quite creative in her hiding spots this year. 

The kids love waking up and searching to find her!

Time for play

We love playing in our rooms!

Harlan has enough cars, trucks, and planes 

to share! 

So, we all pick our favorite vehicle and 

drive on the car mat!

Then it's Wavy's turn!

We will go to her room 

and play dolls or puzzles.  

We do really good at sharing...

(when we want to!)

And we always appreciate skills like balance...

and silliness!

Glitter Glue!!!

My goal is to do one fun thing each day. 

Now some days, that might be as simple as telling a funny joke, 

or giving an extra poke in the middle to get that little giggle. 

But some days, that means...

Glitter Glue!

Messy, but fun, and they are making their own
"Christmas Cards".  

Was it fun?  Yes!

Mission accomplished.

I'm a big kid now! (Admit it, you sang the song.)

Today we went to school!

 Both kids had appointments for preschool screening, 

though Harlan is still a bit young.  

They were thrilled to find water fountains on their level! 

Both had fun at the screening, meeting teachers

and showing off what they know.  

Hopefully, Waverly will start PreK soon!

O Christmas Tree

Ah, the annual Burris Christmas tree decorating party!

Each year, Nana and Pappy let the kids decorate the tree.

Ornaments are both old and new, 

some shiny and fresh out of the box, 

and many made by us 'kids' when we were little.

.

Now the grandkids can add to the collection!

Of course, we still have to add on at least a few ornaments, 

since we can reach higher, and for tradition's sake!

Pappy hands out the ornaments and makes sure the hooks are ready.

Even our littlest elf gets to help!

Pappy adds the last few bows and then the tree is complete!