Packing Palooza

I've now learned what goes into planning a vacation in which the family is driving instead of flying. I've also learned that I have no idea what families do with multiple children and all their stuff. Lastly, I've learned that no matter how much stuff we have to pack (and despite a freezing cold weather forecast), Randall will find a way to fit his golf clubs. Here's the car so far:

And here's what still needs to go in:

I have a very confident husband, so I'll just go along and believe it will all fit. I'm quite proud we're able to leave the back seat clear in case we need to sit with Syd. We are hitting the road as soon as Randall can leave work. Sydney is napping right now, but I won't let her nap too long. We need some sleepy time on the road! Merry Christmas!

1st Christmas!!

Since we are traveling to Virginia next week, we decided to have our small family Christmas at our house a week early. Here are three videos...longer than usual, but we wanted to capture this special morning! And a few photos follow.

 

 

 

Santa didn't forget about mommy and daddy, so don't worry :-) We wanted new bedding for our room, and are thrilled with the outcome!

Here is the before:

And here is the after:

The rest of our gift is being able to travel home to be with our families for Christmas and Sydney's 1st Birthday!!! What an exciting time of year :-)

Lights and Sights of Christmas

Last night was a fun holiday-themed evening! We had a delicious dinner with our friends Kenny & Amanda, who always spoil Sydney with goodies. Sydney loves them, and I'm sure it has nothing to do with the gifts ;-)

 

After the fabulous dinner at their house, we all went to the Fayetteville Square where the beautiful display of the Lights of the Ozarks draws lots of people each night during the season. Sydney was fascinated, and she looked so cute all bundled up.

 

There was an option to take photos of your child with Santa, so we took advantage of the opportunity, which also helped us to avoid the mall crowd and crazy Santa line. Her immediate death grip on my arm told me this was going to be a family photo. Call me crazy, but I just couldn't force her onto his lap in the middle of our lovely evening. We are happy with this photo to commemorate her first Santa experience :)

Last but not least, we took a photo on the bench where we got engaged in August of 2006. It's so fun (and emotional!) to think about everything that has happened in our lives since that moment!

Messy, but Toothy

Black beans + yams + pears made for a really messy dinner last night, but we loved the first of these photos especially because you see her two chompers!

Milling Around

This past Sunday was a great day! After grocery shopping, Randall had the idea to go out to War Eagle, the grist mill not far from our house that has gorgeous surroundings. I had only been during Craft Fair time, when the grounds are covered with people and booths. It was wonderful to walk around, take pictures, look around in the gift shops and just hang out. I can see doing this much more often now, and maybe bringing a picnic next time.