Who Needs Snow?

We've been experiencing an uncharacteristically warm winter in North Carolina so far this year. This time last year we had already experienced two snows, the latter of which happened on Christmas day and almost prevented us from traveling down to Florida during the break.

So I have been pleasantly surprised (and happy!) with the weather so far in December and (so far) January.

Of course I know I am jinxing myself by raving about this, so I'm preparing myself for the coldest January and February on record just in case this doesn't last. But it really does make life so much easier when we can spend the days still playing outside instead of locked up in the house.

Kairos

Adah has been walking the line lately.

All you parents know what I mean. She's testing her boundaries, exploding in fits of tears when something doesn't go her way, bothering her siblings.

I won't lie, sometimes I have to just walk away before I yell something all motherly like, "I've had it up to HERE, young lady!" (with accompanying hand gesture to the forehead).

But then sometimes she comes in the room and give me one of these ...

And I'm like, Ahhhh ..... Kairos.

Then I'm miraculously able to wipe her slate clean (only for her to fill it on up again over the next few hours).

Read more about Kairos HERE ... an awesome post from an honest mom who gets it.

Picture of the Week - January 8

We've quickly learned that klutzy parents beget klutzy kids.

Thanks to Mimi, we're prepared.

Beached

Although I do not miss the Florida heat in the summers, there are definitely a few things I do miss about living there. Namely, the proximity to the beach. I love the mountains as well, but I'll take the beach any day if forced to choose between the two. There's nothing like sitting with your toes in the sand and enjoying a good book for hours on end.

So, of course, when we went to Florida over the Christmas break, we had to make sure to fit in a trip to Crescent Beach. I grew up going to this beach every summer and it's the first beach that the kids ever went to as well. It's so nice to go there when the temperatures are cooler and the crowds are less. Matt and I have always talked about opening up a Bed and Breakfast when we "retire" one day, and you know that I'll be making a push for a house on the beach if those dreams ever come true!

Kris Kross Will Make Ya

Did I forget to mention that the triplets got a trampoline for their birthday?

No??

I didn't say anything about that?

Something must have caused it to slip my mind ...

It must be because of all the shrieking whenever they climb aboard the "Deafening Wheel of Commotion" (as I like to call it).

 I guess we won't need to head over to Bounce U anytime soon!

Christmas, A Little Late

Christmas is long gone and I'm ready to run full tilt into 2012. But I couldn't let 2011 go without posting some sort of Christmas recap for the kids to see in years to come. We spent the holiday in North Carolina and Florida with both of the kids' grandparents and really enjoyed ourselves. We didn't do anything monumental or special, which is exactly the way I like it on Christmas. Lots of relaxing and spending time with those that we love.

We started things early when we headed down to Charlotte a few days before Christmas to visit with Marmee and Bogey. We got to meet their elf, Sandy, who conveniently had a whole fistful of lollipops for the kids to devour. Then we enjoyed stockings and exchanging gifts together.

We spent Christmas Eve and morning at home with our family of six. It was nice to be able to continue some of the traditions that we have started with our family for this time of year. We went to Christmas Eve service, baked cookies for Santa, had our annual Christmas Eve dinner of "make your own pizza", read our Christmas books, and put out our reindeer for for Rudolph and Co.

Then Santa came and we celebrated Jesus' birthday! This was the first year that the kids really REALLY understood both Santa and the real reason for Christmas. It was so much fun to watch them take everything in and really understand everything.

We spent Christmas morning opening presents and enjoying a yummy breakfast. Santa hid all of the kids' presents in their special Santa sacks that Mimi made for us this year. These sacks are large enough to fit the entire continent of Asia inside, so it was hilarious watching the kids try and find their gifts in the mounds of fabric that made up their sacks.

Then we packed up and it was off to Charlotte and Mimi's house for Christmas afternoon. We enjoyed spending time there, seeing Aunt Meghann, Uncle John, and baby Graham, and eating a yummy turkey dinner.

Then, staying true to our crazy ways, we set out for Florida early Christmas evening. It makes for a long day, but an easier drive for us parents since the kids are so tired they sleep most of the way. Luke fell asleep as we were pulling out of Charlotte at 6pm and he didn't wake up again until 7:30 the next morning! It's safe to say that they were pretty tired out.

We loved spending a week in Florida with my side of the family. We had great weather, spent time with family, and even fit in a trip to the beach. It's nice to have some good, home cooked meals where neither Matt nor I have to lift a finger! The kids loved seeing their cousin Brantley and spent a lot of time outside in the warm weather.

As you an tell, the Stomp Rocket was the hit of Christmas in Florida.

And now, we're back! Luckily we have a day to recover before work and school and schedules start up again. Christmas was fun, but I'm ready for the new year to start! We've got some changes planned for our family this year, so stay tuned! Hope you and you family enjoyed a relaxing and family filled holiday as well!

Picture of the Week - January 1

Our Christmas was awesome and we've just rolled back into town tonight. Exhausting, but fun. I'll have a full Christmas photo dump soon, but here's some evidence of what a great last week we've had!