Snow Daze

We heard the snow was coming our way, so we thought "we've got to get out of the house before the roads get bad!" So, Sunday afternoon we took our girl to the Adventure Science Center. She thought it was pretty fabulous. I had been dreading the snow a little because we only had one and a half snow days left before we would have to start making them up. Don't get me wrong-I'm a school teacher. It is against everything I know to not look forward to a snow day. I would just rather have those days off in warm weather when we can go to the park, swimming pool, etc.

But, when I got up this morning and saw how beautiful the snow was at our house, it completely changed my 'tude. It was a winter wonderland. Besides, there are things you can do on a snowy day that you can't do in the summer-like build a snowman. So, I thought to myself "what would Ruth Tart do?" (for those of you who don't know, that's my grandmother, and the most admirable person I've ever known) Well. I'll tell you exactly what she'd do: she would take that baby out and play in the snow, which is what we did. I have the most wonderful memories of playing in the snow with my grandmother when I was younger. She could flat build a snowman, igloo, sled, spend all day outside-and then come inside and make you the most delicious treats you've ever had. I hope Bonnie has those same memories of snow days. I'm no Ruth, but I aspire to be as close as I can.
I like this picture a lot. She thinks this whole solar system exhibit is pretty neat, well except the "walk through the stars" part. That creeped her out a little bit, but you literally can't see anything.

Back at home on the snowy day-baking cookies.

She's been pretty much hanging in her pjs all day, except when we layered on snow clothes.

Here it is: the big snow man! Impressive, huh? Maybe not, but we did the best we could!

Happy New Year!

Yay! Bonnie is finally looking at the camera and smiling for pictures...but you have to be quick, because her patience is still a work in progress!

Cousins are clearly too focused on Santa to worry about getting their picture taken!

Bonnie and Aidan just so excited for Santa Claus to come. They were so sweet and cute on Christmas Eve.
We went for a sledding adventure at Grandma and Pappaw's after Christmas. Bonnie and her pal Smokey are checking out the accumulation.

Bonnie's checking out Grandma's "Noopy Dog".

One thing I'll be happy to leave in 2010....the Vols suffered a pretty rough football season this year. Here's Ryan, Bubby, Guerry, and me at the last pitiful game. I still want to cry just thinking of it! Hopefully our young guys will work hard in the off-season, and get ready for a great 2011 season.

Happy 2011 to everyone!

Happy December!

I love this month! It's been a great December so far. We started it off picking out our Christmas tree, I turned 30 on the 10th, we've already had 3 inches of snow, and best of all-we get to spend lots of time with our favorite people, our friends and family. We'd like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. We are so blessed by the people in our lives!


Snow Day! Bonnie helped me make EggNog Creams (cookies) to share at the Tom Joy Christmas Project Wrapping Party. I think her new favorite activity is washing her hands.
We also made gingerbread men and ginger 0h-snaps! after school one day.

Bubby and me on my birthday

Greatest girlfriends of all time-we had so much fun in downtown Franklin on my birthday!

My favorite Christmas Party-our friends have a silly gift exchange every year, and it is always so much fun. This year it was at Erin's new house, and the gift exchange was memorable once again!
Sam's Junior Christmas Party-Will is standing by to help Sam with his new toy!

Best attempt at a semi-group shot: no one is looking, and two of the kids are not even in the frame!
Bonnie is helping Will open his gift. She has been chomping at the bit to open a present!

Poor Corduroy ended up swimming in Duke's water bowl :(

Merry Christmas to all......and to all a good night!

The Christmas Program

We're so lucky to have such a great day care for Bonnie. Last night was their Christmas Program, and it was so much fun. All of the kids from infants to Pre-K participated with their own songs, and they didn't think twice about getting up in front of the crowd and performing. They do a really great job of keeping each act quick and the action moving. Here's the toddler class's performance. Bonnie is in the green dress, and I wish I could have gotten a better angle on it. I didn't want her to see me, though. I also didn't get a really sweet part where each of the kids carried a present down the aisle to put under a Christmas Tree for charity. It was really cute, but here's what I did get...

Enjoy!

Thanksgiving...

...oh wonderful Thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful for.
Uncle Randy showing Bonnie a baby goat

Branson and I are ready for some kickball! Thanks to Beverly for the fabulous shirts-great idea!

Bonnie and Lucy are pounding out some tunes on Pap's piano.

Oh, the joy a travel airbed can provide!

Bonnie is petting one of the horses at Aunt Alice and Uncle Buck's.

We are so lucky to live in a town where there is always live music. Good live music. So, we decided to take Sam and Bonnie down to Broadway to hear some good music. After all, they've lived in Nashville for almost two years, and hadn't been to a honky tonk yet! They loved it, and you should see Sam dance-that boy has got the moves!

Disclaimer: It was 4:30 in the afternoon when we had our babies in a bar, and it was very tame.

More Fall!

Checking out the Franklin Pumpkinfest with Dad

Practicing our forward roll!

Bonnie's Halloween outfit wasn't all that creative but she already had a cheerleader outfit, so it worked out perfectly.

Vols cheerleader and Darth Vader!

Remember how scared Bonnie was of the animals back at the fourth of July petting zoo? She kind of liked it a little better this time. First she warmed up to the huge pig from outside the fence.

She really liked the bunny, but the goats still frightened her.

Bubby and I went to the Ole Miss/UT game on Saturday. Talk about a perfect fall day! Beautiful weather, homecoming, and a big Vols win against Ole Miss!

The knuckleheads and me after the game celebrating, or drowning sorrows-depending on how you look at it!

A dream come true

Bonnie and Lucy playing together, having so much fun, and just being too adorable for words. I think "a dream come true" pretty much sums it up! We are LOVING playing with cousin Lucy when we can, and skyping when we can't see each other in person. She is such a joy~we are so blessed!