Christmas 2011

 These little boys did the greatest job decorating our little Christmas tree!  They were so excited to help while we listened to Christmas music.  Only one little ornament was lost to the floor in the process...

 This little dumpling enjoyed his first Christmas!  Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with RSV the week after Christmas and we are still in recovery mode. 

 All our efforts for the perfect gifts were nearly trumped by Uncle Evan and Aunt Ashley's funny glasses! 

 Christmas morning was so much fun with these little boys!  They rushed downstairs and were sort of speechless for a minute.  Eli is so funny-he checked out the two sets of gift arrangments and said, "that one is yours Know, and this one is mine!"  He got it right, but it was just so funny to watch him process the decision!

 Briggs is becoming more and more active each day.  He loves his playmat with all the sights and sounds!  Of course the older two have to check it out a lot too!

 The Bears helmets and jerseys for Eli & Knox were definitely a favorite!  Eli wore his everyday for a week, even asking to sleep in his jersey. 

 We make shrimp and grits on Christmas morning...this year's were very yummy!

Eli loves eggnog!

 This little boy made our Christmas even more special!  We sure do love him!

Ava Elizabeth Simmons

We are so blessed to have a new niece!  Ava Elizabeth was born on Monday morning.  She and Briggs are just 24 days apart in age.  How fun to have a little cousin so close to your own age!

Clayton & Lindsey have a beautiful little girl!  We cannot believe all her hair...

3 little boys in the mountains

Last weekend we took all three boys to Boone to get a Christmas tree.  This was something we had hoped to do for a few years, but I am not sure we should have kicked off this tradition with a 3 week old, 3.5 year old, and 2.5 year old.  Eli & Knox had a great time, but J and I were exhausted by the time we got back to Greensboro.  I was humbly reminded that we need to slow down for a little while, adjust to being a family of 5, and get a handle on zone defense rather than man-to-man.  I think Jerrold had his doubts about us surviving the day, but he didn't discourage my plans...he has way to much confidence in me!  All in all, it was a nice day.....

Briggs-2 weeks old

Their Adventures...

Eli & Knox are two of the most imaginative, creative little boys.  The games and adventures they create in their minds always amaze me.  They are at home full-time this year and I have been able to witness everyday how much they are ever-changing.  These pictures are from a morning that I was so surprised at how well and how long they played together in the yard.  Their friendship is so sweet.  They really are best buddies.