Christmas 2013

This Christmas was really the first year that Turner was REALLY into Christmas, counting down the days, getting up every morning to see what Gretchen (our elf) had gotten into overnight, etc.  Not that she hasn't been excited before, but this year was just different.  So we savored every moment of her child-like enchantment and soaked up every memory, knowing that these younger years will pass so quickly.

Reading her letter from Santa

Finding her mini iPad, which was such a hit she has hardly put it down!

When she opened it up, she found a message from Santa stating that one present was too big to bring in the house!  She ran to the back door and found a trampoline! We headed out to jump right then, but it was a bit too chilly.  The picture below is from a little later in the morning when she and Pop took the trampoline for it's first test jump!

Santa also knows that Turner really wants to learn to play the piano, so he brought her her very own beginner piano books.  The same exact series that her mommy started using 28 years ago!

Most people don't know, but Mark was a skilled piano player in his childhood also.  He took a few minutes to show her a few things he knows.

Aunt Arlene knitted Turner a beautiful purple striped sweater and matching sweaters for Rebecca and Caroline!

Mark and I were so excited for Turner to open this special present from us.  We are taking her in February to see the musical Wicked in Memphis, TN.  She loves this musical and watches different songs over and over again on YouTube.  She was very excited about this and we made her a countdown chain so she can keep track of how many days until we go.

Santa surprised me with a new computer which was most exciting as my old PC had gotten incredibly sluggish and bogged down with files!  I'm still trying to learn the MAC way of doing things...

A fun selfie with my best girl.

I included this picture because I think it shows how much laughter and fun there is at our house - pretty much anytime my mom is around, but especially on Christmas.  Mark and I framed my Dad a picture of him wearing my MOM's obnoxious Auburn coat after the SEC Championship.  He made the statement during the game that if Auburn won he'd put on her obnoxious coat and wear it out of the dome, and she ensured that he made good on his promise!

I love trampolines and enjoyed spending some time with my Dad remembering my childhood hours on our trampoline.

Caught a glimpse of this out my bedroom window - so sweet.

We were blessed to have all four grandparents, Aunt Arlene, Rebekah, and Richard with us for Christmas this year.  We did hate that Matt couldn't join us this year. It's such a treat that our family will make the trip to Auburn to spend Christmas with us and we are thankful for another year to enjoy the blessing of family and celebrate the birth of Jesus together.

Scenes from Christmas Eve

Turner and Pop decorating the Sophia the First cookie castle - check out that mouth full of purple icing!

Rebekah, Turner, and I headed out for some last minute shopping!

Earlier in the morning, Turner had drawn a blueprint of a zip line that she wanted Pop to create.  We aren't sure if the idea came from watching Home Alone with me and Mark over the weekend?  Of course, later in the afternoon, Pop created a zip line in our yard with a plastic coke crate and some cable he had in his truck.

The neighborhood kids love for Mark to kick balls over our house to them while they stand in the front yard.  I guess his ears got cold?!

After the Christmas Eve service at church, of course we had to take our annual family photos in front of the Christmas tree.  Then we enjoyed a yummy dinner provided by Aunt Arlene - North Carolina BBQ and Brunswick stew.

December - full of celebrations and fun!

December was full of celebrations of Christmas!

Decorating our first gingerbread house - this was an ongoing project for a few days!

Mark and Turner had a few extra days off than I did, so they enjoyed some Daddy/Daughter time at one of Turner's favorite restaurants - Byron's BBQ.  This girl can put away some sausage, stew, and fruit!  :)

Mark went to Turner's class Christmas party and snagged a few iPhone photos of Turner celebrating with friends.


Avery, Mrs. Harris, and Turner
These three girls are a mess - Turner, Avery, and Amore.

The His Kidz children's choir at church gathered one Saturday night to make Christmas goodie bags for a local assisted living home.  After they made the bags, we went to sing Christmas Carols at the home.  It was a really neat experience for these little ones!

His Kidz also performed their Christmas program at church, and Turner did a beautiful job with her solo verse to Away in a Manger.  Her solo starts at the 14:00 min mark.  I am so proud of this little girl.

Goofing off beforehand in her "Go Tell it On the Mountain" costume.

So proud of this little girl's confidence to sing in front of others!

Tootsie and Pop made it into town just in time to join us for the Auburn Christmas Parade!  It was a chilly night!

We celebrated Mark's birthday early in the month with a yummy family dinner at Venditori's.


Gretchen, our elf, visited us again this year from December 1st - 24th.  Turner was sad to see her go this year more than any before, but Gretchen sure did some funny things while she was here!

Turner and Aubrey enjoyed the City of Auburn Polar Express!  We've never done this before so it was a fun new Christmas treat this year!

Making reindeer food

Writing her Christmas list

Sweet friends