Christmas Photo Shoot

So we got our pictures taken a week or two ago (my annual Christmas gift to Laura) and here are the results.

As you might imagine, Carter really enjoyed standing on top of this stool.

    

I mean really really enjoyed it.

    

So we did one of these goofy walking pictures....but Carter had nothing to do with it and started running...

My little princess....

Avery blowing "snow" out of her hands.

Our wildman...

Back to the stool for a few more portraits after running around.

He really does love her...  Just not all the hugs...

Playing in the Leaves

As the preeminent blog on the internet specializing in kids playing in big piles of leaves, I feel it is my duty to share these pictures of both our kids having the time of their lives and the impressive leave raking abilities of the author of this blog.

Preparing for takeoff...

Carter is standing up in this picture, but I don't remember how tall he was at his last doctor's appointment so let's say the pile is 4 feet tall.

Avery's in there somewhere....I think....

Happy little kids...

The best was when I made a pile at the end of the slide so we didn't have to catch Carter when he went down...The results were hilarious.

Thanksgiving

So Sara caught the blogging fever and caught up for 3 months of blogs and ran ahead of us, but I know all 6 people that read our blog appreciate that we run a few weeks behind.  Maybe Laura's phone will start backing up automatically again so we can stay on schedule, but I wouldn't count on it.  So Thanksgiving weekend, we headed up to Greensboro to fry a turkey and have some cousin playtime.



The 3 older kids immediatly loved the fact that a ladder was attached to the bunkbeds and made their way to the top.

We also took a few walks down the construction site at the end of the road.  Carter was fascinated with the equipment and the mess they made.

He would have started it if there were keys.  He tried his best to pull every knob and lever.

Our little turkey princess...

A great dinner was had by all.  Here is a picture of the first of 7 plates of food that I had.  Carter beat me by one plate I think...

Although, Madison didn't see what the big deal was.....Get it?  Because the bow was over her eyes?  She couldn't see.....  Anyways...

Nothing like a hike to burn off some Turkey.

Little kids snack time...

They were funny how they hung out with each other.  Carter kept his eye on Madison the entire time.

Every time he saw her (and as I was typing this blog) he would say "Baby!"

These two were pretty inseparable all weekend.  It is fun to watch them play together.

Best buds.  Anna playing it safe and keeping the helmet on.  Not a bad idea with Carter running around...

Grammie's 80th Birthday

She doesn't want to spread the word too much, but Grammie is the big 8-0!  I can only hope I'm having as much fun as she is when I'm that age.  She worked a full time job and raised 3 kids and has been enjoying retirement/Las Vegas for a few years now :)

Grammie just wanted us all together for her birthday and since we can't fit in one house any more, Aunt Lisa booked the Whitewater Center for us.  Big thanks to Lisa for organizing everything!!  It was actually our first time there, which is a shame because it's a really cool place.  The "river" was drained for repairs, but there was a walking trail, ropes course, zip line, several rock walls and plenty of dogs to pet.

The kids on the rocks

Of course Carter had to climb to the top like sister.

 

Selfie from the balcony of our party room!

What a lovely cake!  (Yes, I take credit for that, for bringing it, not making it)

Here's the birthday girl with 2 of her great grandkids

Carter found his vest pockets that day.  It was a good day.

Avery mastered the little ropes course on the walking trail (better than me for sure).

The whole family!  

Courtney has her brother Joseph on face time (see cell phone over Rebecca's shoulder).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRAMMIE!! We love you!

Football Game Pics

This is a collection of pictures from the last few football games of the year.  They didn't go as planned in terms of wins and losses, but we sure did have a lot of fun.

Avery and Laura watching the band at half time.  Rob is mysteriously absent for some reason.

Funnel cakes are a big part of the game for the kids thanks to Uncle David and Uncle Graydon always buying them.

Licking it clean and taking a sugar shot after finishing it off.

Watching the band after the game.  The gate we leave from is the same gate the band walks by on their way out.  Avery loves to stop and see them up close.  They let her hit the bass drum some times.

Looking good with Drew rocking our clear purses carrying all the kids snacks.

Go Wolfpack!!!

Avery also enjoys when the band and players show up before the game and walk into the lockerroom.  We park near where they come in, so we always run down to give them high fives and cheer them on as they come in.

Avery and Laura leading the cheers.




























Avery got a hold of Laura's phone during halftime one game and gave her feelings on the ducks (Miami Hurricanes).




Overall, it was a great year at the games.  Thanks to our parents (and Stephanie) for watching Carter and thanks to our friends for such a great time.

One More Trip to Carowinds

Last post of October, I promise.  Since we renewed our season pass to Carowinds, they gave us 3 one day passes to share with someone on a sunday.  So we took the last Sunday of the year and invited the Rotmans to enjoy with us.  We got there first thing in the morning and rode with the kids until lunch.  After lunch Sara and Laura took the kids to our house and Mark and I rode roller coasters all afternoon.  I think we rode the big Fury 325 12 times until we couldn't feel our legs anymore.

Anna and Sara enjoying the roller coaster.

Avery had a blast telling Anna about all the different rides.

On the merry go round.  Anna wanted to ride in the sleigh like Carter.  Poor Madison had to wait outside in the stroller.

Carter had a good time walking around and watching his sister have fun since it was such a nice day.

One last time on the Red Baron.