Gingerbread Houses

The kiddos got out of school early on the Friday of Christmas break.  Our neighbor, Jill, invited several of the kiddos and the Moms over to decorate Gingerbread Houses.  In order to participate, they had to bring $1 that they had earned by helping out at home.  Jill donated the money to St. Jude's Hospital.  It was such a sweet thing to do.  Everything was perfect and well thought out.  The houses were already put together.  The kids were able to decorate immediately!  Some did more eating than decorating.

We had a great time and are so thankful for our neighborhood friends who seem like family!

All smiles with her frosting!

Sweet Kamdyn!

Her finished product!

Morgan's finished product!

Bailey was there, too.  Her other babysitter was watching her that day.  

These crazy girls crack me up!

Bass Pro Shops

Last year we discovered a "best kept secret."  Nanny and I took the girls to see Santa at the Bass Pro Shops last year.  It had just opened in Cary.  Not many knew about Santa much less the free photo, free crafts, etc.  Richard hated to miss it last year so this was actually a Christmas activity that he was looking forward to.  

This year the word was out so there was a lot more people there.  We did have to wait in line this time, but not for very long.  We saw Santa.  The girls told them a few items on their lists.  We wrote an entire list and mailed it to Santa.  They also got to make a fishing bobber snowman while we waited.  

The girls ran across pink Bass Pro Shops hats that were $1.98 each.  They HAD to have them.  I seriously don't think we could have left the store without Karcie wearing hers.  She was adamant!  They were happy to trade those bows for the pink hats.  They looked adorable so I couldn't argue!

I love family nights like this. We all had a great time and left with smiles on our faces!

I love this one!

Driving the train

Checking out the fish!

Karcie had to touch the bear. 

Preppiest little country girls that I know!  :)

Kamdyn sings at Nursing Home

Kamdyn's next chorus performance was later in the afternoon the same days as Karcie's preschool program.  (See why my head was spinning in December?) They sang at a nursing home in Apex.  I loved watching the residents faces as they sang along to the music.  The entire time I was imagining that they were singing to Mama Lucy at her nursing home.  When it was over all of the children immediately left.  I encouraged Kamdyn and Karcie to walk around and speak to all of the ladies.  They were so happy to talk to Kamdyn and Karcie.  It was so sweet!  To me, this is what Christmas is about.  I would much rather spend my time in December carrying out acts of kindness such as this rather than rush around trying to buy a gazillion different gifts for people.  Not that I don't enjoy giving.  I just feel that if more people spent time taking care of others and doing things for others that the world would be a much better and less stressful place.  A world filled with tons of happy and giving people!

It was so hot in there.  Kamdyn thought she was going to pass out!

Karcie is an Angel!!

 Karcie's last Christmas preschool program was so precious!  We were ecstatic to learn that she was chosen to be the "main" angel and got to wear the fancy angel dress.  We didn't know that with this role that she would be front and center on the stage.  She did such a great job!  I loved watching her sing and act out the movements.  She cracked us up at times because she would yawn and quit singing/dancing as if she was bored.  Then, she would jump right back in.  

I was asked to help hand out cookies and hot apple cider prior to the program.  I checked Kamdyn out of school so that she could attend.  She helped me greet and hand out cookies.  Richard wasn't sure if he would be able to make it because of a work call.  He showed up at the last minute.  Lucky for us, we got to sit on the front row since I was helping out.  

We are so proud of our girl!  

Thanks, Georgie, for the cute shirts!!

Hanging out in Cocoa Beach

Our flight didn't leave until late in the evening and we had to be off the boat pretty early.  We rented a car and made our way around Cocoa Beach.  We played mini golf at Golf N Gator.  We decided that whoever lost would have to hold the gator.  I started off terribly so I figured that I was several strokes behind him.  After tallying the score card, I was only ONE point behind him.  GRR!!  I would have tried a little harder at the end if I had known.  Oh well!  We both ended up holding the gator so it didn't matter anyway.  I was surprised by that little thing.  It's belly was so smooth and cold.  I couldn't believe how still it was when both of us held it.  It was weird!

After our game of mini golf, we enjoyed a nice lunch on the water with a pretty amazing view.  I really enjoy getaways without the kiddos because I think it gives us time to recharge, but I certainly couldn't wait to get back home to see my two little cuties.

They picked us up from the airport around 8:30 that night.  Karcie was asleep in the car.  I couldn't wait to get my hands on them when we got home.

A HUGE thank you to Nanny and Georgie for signing up back in June to take care of our girls.  We appreciate and love you both so very much!

Checking out the gator pond.

Look at his shirt....I swear he had this excursion planned based on his shirt choice.

I made him go first!

Pretty lunch view!

Cruising with The Carters - Day 3

We slept in after a rough night.  We were all feeling a bit green that morning and afternoon.  There was a mix of sun, clouds, and rain showers.  We got in some naps and tried to get ourselves oriented again.  I've never felt weird on these cruises.  Not being able to get our feet on solid ground at Cococay made a huge difference.  

We rallied though and we were ready by dinner time.  We celebrated Patrick and Carly's Anniversary, too!

We had a super fun time.  BUT, I learned a few things.  

1.  No vacations during December.  It stressed me out with Christmas around the corner.  

2.  December cruises = Rocky Waters.  Not a fan of feeling yucky!

3.  Next time will be between May and October!

Cheers!

Fireball Y'all!!

These two had drink packages.  They definitely got their money's worth!!

I swear we got looks from the people beside us at dinner because we were so loud and silly!

It was fun though!!

Waiting for the "Love and Marriage" show to start.

Richard wanted us to be contestants.  I just couldn't do it.  That boat was doing some serious rocking!!