school christmas celebration

Caleigh had a Christmas celebration at her school on December 16th from 12 - 1.  The parents were all invited and we LOVED seeing our little girl "in her element."  She was probably the most outgoing I have ever seen her away from home.  I love knowing that she feels comfortable enough at school to be herself!  The kids 'dressed' as little red-nosed reindeer.  Caleigh was so proud of her little red nose.

Caleigh and her sweet teacher, Ms. Beverly.

I have loved that Caleigh has a little community of friends from church that are also in her class at school  - sweet Camilla Kulp (here with Caleigh) and also sweet Walker Andrews.  What a blessing!

 And what is a preschool party without cookies and juice boxes.

 Andrew enjoyed checking out the classroom too.  I don't think Andrew will start preschool in the fall of 2011 (he will only be 2 years and 2ish months - definitely one of the youngest - when Caleigh started she was about to turn 3).  For now we are hoping that he might start halfway through the year in January of 2012 - but we will see what the Lord has in store for us!

Caleigh had such a good first 'semester' of preschool and we have had such a great experience there - we are looking forward to the spring!

Andrew: 18 month update

My sweet Andrew man is 18 months - it is hard to believe - time flies.  What a sweet, silly, smart, focused, wild, all-boy boy he is becoming!  I realized I haven't done an Andrew update in forever, probably not since he was 1.  He seems so much like a toddler or little boy now and not at all like a baby.  As you can see from this picture he is absolutely ADORABLE.  I am completely smitten with him.  

Chapel Hill

UNC versus Kentucky basketball game

Our first time back at the Dean Dome in several years.

And a surprise upon leaving after watching an exhilarating Tar heels win: SNOW!

We had no idea it was going to snow, especially Graham who, when deciding not to wear a jacket before coming in to the game, remarked, "How cold can it be?"

... Apparently cold enough to snow!

We had a great time walking around campus and remarking about how much it has changed since we were there last!

The snow made the campus so beautiful and reminded me of the many times we experienced snow while we were in Chapel Hill.  I'm sure I have the picture from every year we were in college!

We had a great time and it was a great day trip for us!

purple princess party

On Tuesday Caleigh had a 4th birthday celebration! (seems excessive now that I write it - but school, with everyone on Thanksgiving, with us on her actual birthday, and her friend party).  Truthfully I was planning to forgo a friend birthday party this year but Caleigh kept saying she wanted a "purple princess party" and that she "want my friends to come over and sing happy birthday to me."  So we had a little party for her.  I did my best to make a purple princess cake... (just don't look at the edges)

 Caleigh and her friends decorated princess faces (for the girls) and pirate faces (for the boys).

 And the girls dressed up as beautiful princesses of course.

 Camilla, Caleigh, Maggie, Henry, and Andrew showing off their handiwork.

 And their actual faces...

 Caleigh LOVED it when everyone sang happy birthday to her so we did it twice - before presents and before cake!  She was so grateful for her presents and loved opening them.

Adam and I did the cake cutting honors...

Thanks for coming and celebrating with us friends!

christmas tree!

This year we continued our family's tradition by getting our Christmas tree at Lowe's.

The chosen tree.

 And Caleigh putting on the kid friendly ornaments that covered the bottom of the tree.

I love decorating for Christmas and I like to do it as soon as possible (right after Thanksgiving) so I can enjoy the tree for the maximum amount of time.  I love the way it makes our little house smell!

family photo op

The search for the Christmas card pic 2010.  Trial shot...

 Adam making sure the lighting would be ok.

 Adam wanted to choose this one (even though my face is covered up) because Andrew is making "the face."

 Andrew in his usual pose - looking at Caleigh

Actual Christmas card picture coming soon!

more random Thanksgiving pics

I love seeing these sweet moments captured...

Wow. Like father, like son.

Another family birthday party on her actual birthday - the day after Thanksgiving.

Very busy and oh-so serious.

 Action shot...

 The kids L-O-V-E Uncle David playtime...

 Andrew making "the" face... we see this look so often...

 One of my favorite pictures of my sweet little guy just loving life...