The Big Snow of 2011

We woke up Monday morning to a winter wonderland, overnight it snowed 8 inches and continued to snow/sleet all day long. I had to work so I made my way in very slowly but daddy and Blake got to venture out in the snow, which only lasted a couple of minutes. Blake loved the snow but it was so cold out and Blake did not have any gloves (hence the hands in the pockets). Josh can't get enough, he is like a kid when it snows, he built himself a path from the front porch all the way down the front yard to end with a ramp. I myself like to see it come and go, not much of a cold person! I hope everyone has enjoyed their snow days!!

Our sweet little guy ready to go out in the snow!

Our big girl, Berkley, loving the snow.

Knee deep in the snow, literally!

It's official...8 inches and in good old South Carolina!

G-daddy Whitfield (the red bird) coming to visit.

Just a few more...

GiGi captured this picture before Christmas, I just absolutely love it!

I mentioned last post that we had a white Christmas, it began to snow late afternoon on Christmas day and snowed until Sunday morning! We were all glad to see the snow, a very rare and special thing here in Carolina! I love this picture Josh captured Christmas day night.

Blake getting a few minutes outside a few days after Christmas, he loves to put Marley in the cab of his truck.

Blake got skates from Santa and loves to put them on and "roll" around the house. He is actually pretty good and does better by himself rather than me holding on to him.

A Very Merry WHITE Christmas!

We had a great Christmas, DeeDee and Uncle John spent Christmas week with us and T-daddy joined us on Christmas Eve. I had to work all days before and after so it was great for Blake to have everyone here. Christmas day our home was full, GiGi, Gmax, Aunt Niki, Uncle Chris and my grandparents, Grandmommy and Pops, all joined us for morning brunch. Blake loved having everyone here and entertained us all! This Christmas, as with all Christmas's before, I find myself humbled by all the MANY blessing we have, freedom to go buy gifts for those we love, freedom to love and serve a awesome God who has given me way more than I have asked for, a gift of education that allows me to have a job, a family (both mine and Josh's) that are just...incredible, a husband who loves me and Blake and gives us more than we could ever need, and a sweet, precious little boy who gives me life every single day. I hope and pray that we (including me) all remember the true meaning of Christmas and find time each day to "give back" in all we do.

Blake giving mommy some love. I love this picture:)

The "grandmas," who both look like they could be the moms. What an incredible story they have, friends since they were 5, lived across the street from each other their whole child/teenage life, in each others weddings and now they share a grandchild together....I think that could get us to Oprah, don't you??

Opening his new Thomas the Train hot wheel from Grandmommy and Pops Evans.

Opening MORE presents!!

Loving his new pick-up truck from Santa.

Blake's new Batman cave from DeeDee and T-daddy.

Giving DeeDee some love.

Giving mommy more love...just can't get enough:)

Sporting his new slippers and checking out his new pirate ship water table from Santa.

Blake in his new house, equipped with a doorbell (that works)...where was all this cool stuff when we were kids??

Giving us the "cheese" smile while checking out all his toys.

Giving T-daddy some love.

Putting "gas" in this new truck.

I love this picture because the expression is priceless...look closer, he was this excited all day!!

"Cooking" us all hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill Santa brought. Mommy asked for a kitchen for Blake from Santa, but "Santa" refused he said a "boy needs a grill not a kitchen."

A new garbage truck and submarine.

Christmas morning before the excitement.

Getting ready for Santa

Here is Blake with Berkley, George and Sally (2 of moms 4 dogs) looking out the window watching for Santa. (I am underneath Blake somewhere)!

Leaving cookies and milk for Santa (carrots for Rudolf too).

Putting our reindeer food before bed.

Making Christmas Cookies

Blake, DeeDee and Uncle John baking cookies for Santa on Christmas eve.

Here is the Gingerbread Man DeeDee and Blake made together, Blake also had his first taste of M&M's while they were decorating!!

Going HOLLYWILD before Christmas.

DeeDee and Uncle John arrived on Tuesday before Christmas and we decided to go to Hollywild on Wednesday night. I had never been to Hollywild and lets just say it is one crazy experience. I have heard people talking about the animals and how they come up to the car, but it was totally not what I expected!!

Josh and Uncle John (hanging out of the sunroof) feeding the ENORMOUS cow:

Just a few of the deer, I think they were running for "deer life" haha!

This cow was at the car next to us and this was not even a BIG cow!

On the way out we even saw zebras and llamas, oh and I should mention the lights were fantastic!!

An Afternoon with Great Grandma Metcalf

Blake and I joined GiGi and Great Grandma Metcalf last Friday afternoon to see the Christmas tree display in downtown Greenville. We had a great time looking at all the different decorations, Blake especially liked climbing up and down the stairs and going up and down the elevator at the Hyatt. We had a nice lunch together at Atlanta Bread Company and enjoyed spending some special time with "Grandma Metcalf." It is nice to slow down during this time of year that seems to past so quickly, spending time with family is one of my favorite things about Christmas.

Aunt Ann and Uncle Dale (Josh's aunt and uncle) sent Blake a Thomas the Train outfit, including a Thomas the Train jacket, and Blake LOVES it. This is huge because this is the only jacket Blake will put on without making a fuss. Thank you Aunt Ann and Uncle Dale!!

Merry Christmas to you all, I hope you will find time to share special moments with the ones you love!

Blake in his Thomas the Train outfit.

Special Moments with Great Grandma Metcalf:

Blake is reading "The Little Engine That Could" to Grandma Metcalf.

Getting Ready for Christmas!

The tree is trimmed and the scene is done, we are ready and waiting for Santa's arrival. Blake and I have made a batch of Christmas cookies, a batch of cupcakes, Blake has visited the Roper Mountain light display and we have plans to visit Hollywild very soon, we are definitely in Christmas mode. We are looking forward to being with family for Christmas and hope to enjoy the next few weeks before Christmas stress free! HaHa!

Merry Christmas to you all!!