An Early Christmas Eve

Because we were leaving GA on the 24th, my family decided to celebrate Christmas a day early, and therefore, Christmas Eve was a day early too. We spent the afternoon hiking at Crockford-Pigeon Mountain and then picked up the boys at the airport and opened some presents.

Brad and Juston are proud of themselves for climbing to the top of this large rock. Actually, I think there might of been a trail that led to the top and they probably aren't that proud.


This is not for the claustrophobic.


Here we are trudging back to the car.


Finally, we have all the kids together.


We are showing our presents from each other and wearing our new jammies. It was so fun to have everyone home!


We didn't get to bed until really late that night, because after everyone finally got home, noone wanted to go to sleep (except my dad - he was dozing off on the couch). I'm a little sad that we didn't have more time all together, but it was a great night!

Hiking and Decorating

On the 21st we went hiking at Kennesaw Mountain. It was actually freezing cold outside, so I spent a lot of time in the van while the others were running around playing tag or something. Ashlyn fell asleep on the drive there, so my mom stayed in the car with her the entire time. So nice. This is a picture from the top of the mountain - Georgia isn't the most beautiful in the winter time.


Here is a view of the Atlanta area. I don't know why I look like such a grump.


That night we decorated ginger bread houses and Brad and I made ours together. He is such a perfectionist. He put the house together and it looked wonderful!


All the decorators took a picture with their houses. We were putting Ashlyn to bed by that time, and Juston had left to go to a party. What do you think of Juston's lighthouse?


We took a picture with our ginger bread house on the day we were leaving to go back home. Ashlyn was more interested in eating the candy than in posing for the photo.

Fun Visiting

These pictures are all from December 19th (the day after we arrived in GA). Ashlyn warmed up to everyone in no time at all. Here she is getting attention from both Grandpa and me.


My mother's cousin, Alfred, was in the states for a visit and stayed at my parents' house for 2 nights. He is currently living in Abu Dhabi with his family, but recently he spent 6 months in Baghdad working as a US diplomat. It was really interesting to talk to him about the political situation in that area of the world. The Woods, Wests, Walkers, and Grandma Buttle all came over to ask him questions and visit.


While the adults were visiting, Ashlyn and Cami's daughter, Mikayla were playing around. Their favorite thing to do was climb the stairs, so we had to keep a close eye on them.


Mikayla is just three months younger than Ashlyn. I sure wish we lived closer so that they could play more often.


Brad and I met Cami's husband, Michael, for the first time too. They just happened to be visiting for Christmas at the same time we were!


My mom took all of these pictures. Thanks mom!

It was a Very Merry Christmas

On December 18th we left for Georgia, where we spent 7 great days with my family.

Here is a family picture taken at Crockford-Pigeon Mountain in Lafayette. This was a really fun hike because it lead to large rocks that you can climb all over. Brad was like a little kid in a candy shop around all those boulders!


When we got there, Brad got an early Christmas present - it was a puzzle that he had finished in no time!


Friday night we got together with the Woods and Friedrichs and decorated ginger bread houses. This gorgeous creation below was made by Brad and myself. Thankyou, thankyou very much.


Ashlyn fit right in with all the adorable, cuddly stuffed animals.


There's that tongue again!


These pictures were all taken with Juston's camera, but I'm not sure if he was the one who took them. Anyway, thanks Juston!

The New Backpack Carrier

Grandma and Grandpa Cheney bought this backpack Carrier for us for Christmas. We decided to try it out this evening and Ashlyn seemed to love it. Brad said that it felt quite comfortable. Well, will see how it fares through all the hiking we do in Georgia!

Pretty Christmas Dress

Brad's mom bought Ashlyn a beautiful Christmas dress this year. She wore it for the first time today, so we tried to take a few pictures. It is nearly impossible to get her to hold still and look at the camera!



Oops! I guess my hands made it into the picture.


Thanks for holding still sweetie.

The Nativity

We have this nativity that Brad's mom gave us several years ago and I had it set up on top of our piano. The pieces could potentially be breakable, so I needed it to be out of Ashlyn's reach. Well, apparently, the top of the piano is not really out of Ashlyn's reach. She was very intrigued by all the little figurines. She even found away to bring the pieces down closer to her level. Too cute!