It's beginning....

to look a lot like CHRISTMAS!! Turkey day is now a happy memory and Santa and baby Jesus have filled our home along with familiar carols plunked out on the piano and smells of evergreen and candy canes. Christmas has finally arrived.

Along with the sights and smells of the season, Saturday morning the snow began to fall around 8:30 AM. Big soft white flakes gently floated to the ground and in no time the cold ground was covered in a blanket of white. Good for stirring the Christmas spirit deep within, horrible to drive on. It really was a mess! We were out the door when the snow began to fall off to the boys basketball games (camera was accidentally left on the kitchen table!) as the roads began to ice up. That is never a good thing in a place where people do not have 4 wheel drive vehicles and are not comfortable driving in snow. As we drove home three hours later, I could hear the police sirens as often as Christmas music on the radio. Cars were here and there off the road while others had an unfortunate meeting with the car ahead of them. New Circle road was at a stand still and police issued a statement telling drivers they could not respond to any non-injury accidents and to only drive on the roads if there was an emergency situation. There were over 200 reported accidents by 11 AM. Ouch.

We scrapped any other plans for the day and just happily remained safe and warm inside enjoying each other's company and putting the finishing touches on the decorations. And of course the perfect snowy day must include a snow ball fight or two and catching flakes on your tongue. It really was a winter wonderland, even if it could have been categorized as a light dusting. Any snow in December is Christmas snow making special regardless of the amount.

Gathering,Taking aim... then Brynn realized it is much more enjoyable to eat, than throw. Brilliant.

DECORATING

Kaitlyn

Yes, Brynn was 'froggy' when we decorated the tree.

I loved this. Matt is one inventive kid. Josh went hog wild with the pine scented spray. It was so thick I thought I could taste it. Matt figured out a way to still keep working, while avoiding the stench. I should have worn one too!

Merry Christmas!

Thanksgiving 2008

How do you begin to document four jammed packed, whirlwind days of good food, family and fun when you have 647 photos to sort through? Yes, I do love to take pictures, but that can cause problems when you are trying to decide which ones to post. But feel no pity for me. I think massive photo overload is a problem I will never complain about. I am a true believer that you can never have too many photos of loved ones and special times. I think most would agree.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We were delighted to share the big day with my parents, brother Rhett, brother Jeff and his wife Sarah along with Todd, Kristi, Anna and Kate Hamilton. We longed to also be close to the rest of my family, Rich's family and the many dear friends we have shared this special day with over the years. They certainly were not forgotten. Our hearts were full as we counted and gave thanks for our many, many blessings. So, with that said, I guess the best place to start is simple- the beginning.


WEDNESDAY


The boys were out of school on Wednesday and they spent most of the morning asking how much longer they had to wait until our family arrived. Jeff and Sarah were our first guests. They flew from Milwaukee, to Detroit, to Lexington. I was busy doing a few last minute clean ups and failed to hear my cell phone ring twice. Jeff and Sarah arrived 25 minutes early and we were picking them up. They got to spend a bit of extra time at the airport as we raced over to get them. They surprised the boys with a special edible treat from Wisconsin. Once we were crammed into our van (eight people, seven seats) and on our way, it was official. The four day party had begun!

Jeff read a few stories to the girls. Tthey loved his rendition of The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything.They warmed up their football skills for the championship game the next day.And you know we had to EAT! Round One: Qdoba.

I took them on a driving tour of Lexington. The Lexington Cemetery. Henry Clay's tomb.

Ashland: The Henry Clay Estate

We also drove past Mary Todd Lincoln's home, Rupp Arena and Thoroughbred Park. On our way back to campus we finally got the phone call we were waiting for. My mom, dad and Rhett were minutes from my house. They had flown into Cincinnati, rented a car and drove down to Lexington. The kids could not wait to see them!They beat us by a few minutes, but luckily Rich was home. Our happy reunion was in my beautiful garage, but no one seemed to mind. There were hugs and kisses for all.Matt and RhettBrynn introduces my mom to Gobble Gobble, her new best bud.

The girls said hello to Grandpa.

Daddy's girl (I can honestly say that since I am their only one!)The Crew
We all talked on Kurt's Christmas mission tape. Feast Round Two: Chili's. (I failed to mention that Round One: Qdoba was only three hours earlier, but who is counting? It's the holidays!)

Nighttime funThe boys were thrilled Rhett could help them advance on their PS2 games. Rhett= Lifesaver and Hero.We ended the day with a true battle- The Game of Life. I had a new version we opened tried out. Every fifth spot you could sue another player for $100,000. It was hilarious. Battle lines were drawn and money was tossed back and forth. Fun, but I think we'll play our older game next time.

While we played downstairs, the girls and Grandma snuggled up and watched Enchanted.

A perfect day to start their visit.