Just for M&M:)

This post was made just for Nana and Grandad (aka Maria & Michael).
We love you and miss you!

More pics to follow soon!

Dollywood at Christmas!!!

Finally, we went to Dollywood during the Christmas festivities!!! The park was beautiful (as always) and the special shows were very enjoyable!!!

Waiting in line for the 4D Polar Express!

Waiting is really not that fun!

Do I have to come back?
(His new FAVORITE expression)

Aidan bringing little brother back to our place in line.

Waiting wears me out!

There's nothing like a good snooze to pass the time!

Off to Santa's Workshop!

Mommy, Daddy, Luke, Santa and Aidan!!!
(Luke didn't think much of Santa's lap:)

And of course, what is Dollywood without a few rides - brrrrrrr!!!

A rocking horse designed using Christmas packages.
Buildings covered in lights.

Reminded me of the way trees look after an ice storm.

Every Spruce wrapped in lights along the walkway!

Merry Christmas to ALL!!!!

Snow days

Twice in the past month, the boys have spent an entire day outdoors in the snow. They have built forts and snowmen, enjoyed snowball fights and sledding. I will admit that they come in once or twice a day for something warm to eat or drink and to allow their clothes to dry a bit in the dryer. The first snowfall, Luke still had a bit of a cold/cough, so I kept him indoors for the most part. However, the second one, he spent several hours just walking around in the "white stuff." His hands and feet were soooooooooo cold by the time I made him (and he was NOT happy) come inside for a good warm soak in the tub.

Luke looking at his 3 big brothers!

Aidan was in charge of the snowman's head:)

3 boys = a perfect snowman

Luke's first sled ride - he was not impressed!

Luke

The next 2 are actually videos of Aidan and Drew "snowboarding" down our back hill.
I was quite impressed by their balance!

Ashville getaway

Near the end of September, Patrick and I took the opportunity to sneak away for a few days ALONE, while M&M stayed with the 4 boys (Thank you:)

I was so excited that we were finally able to visit Ashville, NC. We stayed in a beautiful condo, slept in and then went out for coffee, took our time eating dinner and dessert at 2 unique local restaurants, and toured Biltmore Estates.Biltmore houseIf you ever have a chance to visit Biltmore, be sure to book the Rooftop tour. It was well-worth the few extra dollars.Looking down on the roof to the winter gardens.Look closely at the detail, and you will still be able to see the gold etching.

This cheeky gargoyle really cracked us up:)

Waiting for the Somelier seminar followed by the wine and chocolate seminar! The vineyard is on our to-do list for next time ; so the closest we got to vines and grapes was on the way to tour the winery. (they are fake)

One handsome cowboy!!!Patrick on Rusty and Rachel on Dusty

We love to ride horses, and the last time we had a chance to do this together was on our honeymoon 12 years ago.

Luke's 1st Haircut

So I guess this will be another Luke post since his 2 Aunts (Katie and Sonya) requested it. In fact, his Aunt Sonya was the wonderful photographer - thank you so much!!!!
I actually started it days ago. But between me not feeling well and the boys having the stomach flu, it took a bit longer to finish it up.....

Following tradition, Luke did not have his 1st haircut until after his 1st birthday.
In fact, I held out until he was 15mth. old!

This silly picture gives you some idea of just how long it had gotten;)

Mommy and Luke after a long day of shopping with Sonya and Max!

My very last closeup of "Samson."

(Patrick's nickname for him because of his long hair.)

All ready to go in his firetruck!

And watching Baby Einstein too!!!!
It doesn't get any better than that........

little did he know what was about to take place.

Pretty cool spray bottle.I am putting up with this, but could you please move over so that I can watch my show.Okay, this is really not that cool.Hmmm, she is touching me.Get her away from me.Oh yeah, Baby Einstein......Just kidding.I have had enough - can I be done?(Distracted again.)I H.AT.E. this.Nope, the puppy is cute, but Einstein is better.Finally, all done!!!I love driving my firetruck while holding my balloon:)So what do you think?

About his hair of course, because I am sure all you mommies can guess what is soooooo interesting (baby dope)!Time to slide.

He normally loves to slide. However, by this point he was extremely tired and so proud of his balloon, that little else mattered.He was very curious about the "weight" at the end of his balloon.

Shhhhhhhh, I didn't tell him it was candy - a sucker to be specific.

I paid a few extra dollars for this certificate, picture and lock of hair. To me, money WELL spent!!! What a special first for us all! Our little baby is growing up too quickly!