Gram and Papa's visit

Gram and Papa came to visit yesterday and today. It was so fun having them here!

They brought Christmas presents including this apron and chef's hat for Madeline who loved them and the mini spatula, wisk and rolling pin. She could be "just like mommy."

 Amazing! Everyone smiling and looking in the same direction!

 We all went to Monkey Joe's and Virginia Ann loved the toddler area!

 Jack helped Madeline navigate the big slide. He is such a sweet brother!

 Of course, Clay had to slide too! 

It was a really fun time! I am not a big fan of places like MJ's b/c I get stressed out trying to keep track of everyone. But when you have four adults and three kids, it is a breeze! Thanks Gram and Papa!

Trouble

Having three kids 5 and under can make for lots of mischief. Especially from Jack and Madeline!

The other night I put them to bed and then heard them talking. I didn't mind that they were still awake, as long as they were quiet and didn't come out of their room. Their chatter went on for about 30 minutes and got louder and there were some thuds too. So I went in and found this. 

 They had taken all their bedding off and piled every book from the bookshelf on Jack's bed. Lovely. They "just wanted to read a little." 

 Virginia Ann's favorite place in the house is our pantry and she has figured out how to climb the stool and get to the fruit snacks!

Visit to Santa

 We have had a big few weeks. On November 30th, four very nice men showed up at our house in Raleigh and packed everything we owned and moved us across the state to the Charlotte area. Clay was transferred and has been spending most weeks since August in Charlotte. We were all so ready to be together again! We are settling into our new house. The kids love their new school and we are all slowly making friends and trying to find our way around. We miss our friends in Raleigh SO much but love seeing Clay every night instead of every weekend!

 Madeline made a rice krispie gingerbread house and insisted on taking a picture of it

and sending it to Goose. 

Last weekend we headed to Ikea (yay for being close to Ikea!!!) and after torturing the kids there for a couple hours, we took them to see Santa. At the Bass Pro Shop. You may chuckle but they actually had a great Santa. And the store is decked out for Christmas! 

Jack loved the train he could control. 

 Virginia Ann loved all the decorations especially the fake snow.

 The best picture of the three I could get!

 Working on her letter to Santa! She should get whatever she wants b/c she has been a very good girl!

Delivering their letters

 Jack trying to remember what he wants

 Madeline would talk to Santa but would not sit on his lap.

 Rare tears from Virginia Ann but they were BIG tears! She was not a Santa fan!

Excited about all the new adventures we will have in our new city!

Thanksgiving on the Farm

We headed to Virginia to Clay's parents for Thanksgiving. It was a quick trip- Thursday was full of fun on the farm with family and then Friday Jack woke up with a high fever and what turned out to be a nasty case of strep throat. We came back home that afternoon so he could recuperate but had fun in the short time we were there. 

 Madeline climbing the HUGE magnolia tree

 Virginia Ann wanted in on the action

 Jordan and Jack

 Sweet girl- such a good subject :)

 Clay and Davis (Jordan and Kristy's little girl)

 Will teaching Jack how to shoot a bb gun- AHHHH!

 VAC in the cotton fields

 And tasting under the magnolia tree

 Madeline and Grandpa

 Roasting marshmallows Thursday night

 Old gas pump on the farm

So much fun in such a short time! Loved being with our family! Lots to be thankful for!

ONE YEAR OLD

Our last monthly photo session. 

 giggles at big sister

 So indicative of her personality- chillin

 Sisters

Virginia Ann weighed in at 19.4lbs and is 30 inches. She is the tiniest of my three at one and has just two teeth. She is a good eater when she is in the mood, loves her bottle and is also still nursing. I could not love this little girl more. She has been such a blessing in such a crazy year. She is the easiest child, so happy all the time. I have to wake her up from naps all the time to go places, pick up kids, etc and when I do she will look up at me and start clapping her hands! VAC has a sweet spirit about her and favors her brother in looks and personality. Madeline keeps her entertained and hopefully they will be as close as Shannon and I are. She started walking 5 days before her birthday and is doing well navigating herself around the house. It is very odd to see three little people coming at me upright! We love love love you sweet Virginia Ann and are so glad you chose us as your family!!

Virginia Ann turns ONE!

Our sweet baby girl is ONE! This year has flown by and we have been so blessed to have Virginia Ann in our  lives. She is the happiest of babies and such a wonderful disposition. Nothing seems to faze her and she just loves watching all the craziness in our house. We were so excited to celebrate her milestone! After I threw Jack a big ONE party, I vowed I would never do a party again until he knew it was his birthday. I have stuck to that rule with all the kids. So we had two of our favorite families over for dinner and enjoyed some yummy cupcakes for VAC and pumpkin pie for Clay's 35th! It was a great night.

Singing to VAC

 Loved the cupcake!