Happy Birthday Paw-Paw

Andrew and I made an impromptu trip back to Albertville on the 27th.  I decided that since he wasn't in school, I'd take the opportunity to spend a little more time with my family, especially Granddaddy.  It just so happened that we got to be there for Paw-Paw's birthday (which was a nice present for him.)
The morning of his birthday Andrew decided that Paw-Paw needed a surprise party with a cake, which meant I got to make it.  Andrew also mentioned that he wanted Paw-Paw to have a car cake.  So I got busy baking.  *Let me just tell you...this cake was a feat!  I had NO...I mean NO baking supplies.  I baked this sucker  in a 9x12 baking dish.  I had no decorating tips so I had to make parchment triangles (which I'm NOT good at.) I also had no cake boards, so I covered a bamboo cutting board in foil.  Somehow it all came together.  Andrew got his surprise party and Paw-Paw had a car cake.  And man, was it good!

 Andrew and Paw-Paw

 Funny story:  Mom overheard my Dad say that he needed a new floor jack, so she ordered him what she thought he wanted.  However, as he opened the present, he just started laughing.  Mom got him a very literal "floor jack," as in to lift the floor of a house!  He appreciated the thought and we all enjoyed the laugh!

An Everhart Christmas

The day after Christmas was pretty chill.  We did a lot of "resting" that day, trying to recoup from our crazy Christmas day.  Even Grammy and Chiquita found time for a nap.

 We packed up that afternoon and headed to the Everharts'. (You remember the Everhart family from Tim and Amy's wedding back in October.)  We always have dinner with them and exchange gifts.  It's always a good time and you can't beat the food.  You haven't lived until you've had a meal at the Everhart house!  So needless to say, we were STUFFED!  After dinner it was time for gifts.  Andrew got a "happy napper" from Sandra and Gary.  He absolutely loves it.  

 It's a banana house that unzips and flips inside out to make a monkey.  It's kinda a mash up of popples (c'mon...tell me you had a Popple?!) and pillow pets.

 Then Andrew decided to put bows on EVERYONE....including Chiquita.  She is less than thrilled, but tolerant.

Then I got my turn with the bow...

 ...as did Andrew's nose.

 Snuggle hug with Kate (despite the look from this photo, he really does love her.  They had a great time playing all night.)

 Kate loved Chiquita too...even this nose kiss..YUK!

Gary and Andrew had the most fun playing.  I've never heard so much laughing in all my life!

 It was another great night with the Everhart family.  We even got to watch Drew Brees break Dan Marino's record!   Yay Drew!  Needless to say we got a late start headed back to FL.  We got home at around 1:45 am.  That made for a very early work morning for Drew.  

Christmas Day 2011

Christmas Day was great and wonderful and a whirlwind!  We had to wake up really early so we could try and enjoy Santa's surprises before heading to church.  Andrew wasn't exactly thrilled about getting up.  But isn't he so precious sleeping? 

 He's definitely NOT a morning person!  (Little does he know, there's a trampoline out the window!!) Not to worry, very soon after this photo was taken, he woke up and got excited. 

 Climbing up to get his stocking.

 Santa ate the cookies!

 He finally looked out the window and immediately had to go try out the new trampoline.

 I think it's a keeper.

 Bounce!

 After a quick jump, it was back to more presents. 

 Oh, how I adore that face!

 After presents it was time for "Happy Birthday, Jesus."  We sang and Andrew blew out a candle and then we had chocolate chip cookie cake for breakfast.  YUM

 The we put it into hyper drive and got ready for church.  *My awesome husband even made a trip to CVS - ON CHRISTMAS MORNING-  for a new hair dryer because mine pooped out on me.* We loaded the presents and the dog in the car and headed to church.  Then after an awesome service, we drove over to MS for Christmas with Drew's family.  

These boys are excited about presents! 

 Uncle Adam likes his new shirt.

 Alex likes his new game.

 Granddad got a new saw.

 Andrew lounging on his Saints Mickey pillow.

 Apparently he got really comfy and lounged his way through the last few presents. 

 After presents the boys snuck off to watch something that boys like?  Boys?!

We had a lot of fun.  So much fun, in fact that we all went to bed pretty early because we were SO TIRED!  But we had a very Merry Christmas and I hope you did too!

Christmas Eve

Our Christmas Eve was very nice.  I spent most of the day baking.  That evening, we went to Christmas Vigil, came home and had a pot roast dinner, and baked cookies for Santa.  I had my best sioux chef helping me in the kitchen.

 I'm the cookie maker and he's the cookie taster.

 Since it's Christmas Eve, Andrew got to open ONE present.  He picked his sorry spin game, which we played before bed.  I think he was happy with his selection

 Before bed, I got Andrew to pose for a cute photo idea that I saw on Pinterest.  He was actually happy to oblige.   I think they're adorable.   My favorite shot was the first one I took (below) but I took a few more.  Below are my favorites:

After our photo shoot, we put out cookies and milk for Santa and a couple of carrots for Rudolph.  (Santa is a big fan of Kim T's sugar cookies!)  ;)

Then, after the reading of the Christmas story, it was time for bed.  After all, Santa can't come until everyone is asleep!  And since it's Christmas Eve, that means we must say goodbye to "Sumper" until next year.  

 Here's a sneak peak from the Santa cam: (Minus a big surprise outside)

Baby and Bellingrath

Today was a fun day for us.  We got to go to the hospital in Pensacola and meet the newest baby Trammell.  Meet Hayden Joshua.  He was born on the 21st to our dear friends Alan and Sherree.  (They were stationed in Hawaii with us and have been here in FL for a couple of years.)  I got to hold sweet baby Hayden and he is just precious!  He looks a LOT like his older brother.  

 Then we drove over to Mobile and met Drew's parents and our nephew at Bellingrath Gardens for their Magic in Lights at Christmas display.  If you live anywhere near Mobile, you should definitely check it out.  The lights were amazing.  My favorite was this tree:

 There are several different "themed" sections and from what I hear, they add to them every year.  Here's the unicorn/rainbow area.

 There was a pond that had decorations ALL around it.  The reflections in the water were stunning. 

 Here the boys are riding a lion statue.

 Andrew and Daddy admiring the lights.

 Since we're at a botanical garden, there were also tons of flowers...in lights.  Here are a few of my favorites:

 (Mom, the daffodils are for you!)

 Nativity

 Chinese New Year display complete with fireworks.

 We really enjoyed strolling through the gardens looking at lights.  I think we might just have to go back next year.  *FYI: the lights are on display until December 31st, so there's still time to see them if you'd like. *

I managed to take a few shots of the boys before we headed home.

 This one is funny because when I first took their pictures they weren't really smiling, so I said "C'mon now, give me a REAL smile" and this is what I got:

Merry Chrsitmas!