Christmas with Family

Picture taking is not a gift that I possess. It would seem I do not have the patience to make adjustments to the camera in order to get the best shot possible, compensate for lighting, remove red eye, etc. Neither do I think to take pictures when in the midst of whatever it is we are doing. I would like to say that this is because I am always "living it up", being "in the moment 100%" but that is not always the case. Sometimes, I just don't want to get out the camera. Fortunately, I am blessed with family that does and so for 2010 there is a record that we celebrated Christmas with both sides of the family. And yes, we were there 100% and loving every minute of it!

Lizzie and Colleen pranced around the house with their purses from Grandmama singing, "We are princess!"

We made a trip to Cleveland, GA to visit Babyland General with Grandmama and the Fernandez family. As you can see,Grandmama's cabbage patch is full of babies!

A museum full of nothing but dolls...I think Colleen could have lived there.

They are really making those dolls life-like these days!

A needed "boy break" with some blocks, Uncle Joe, and Joshy

Waiting for the newest arrival. Lizzie was the proud name-giver, and so Babyland General now has a "Force Thomas" up for adoption. With a name like that we're afraid he may be there a while!

Grandmama gave a good effort to read the Christmas story to the grandchildren, however, that may not happen for another few years.

Christmas with the Riley family was full of activity as always. Children sleeping in each other's rooms, watching Story Keepers in Papa Ron and Nonna's bed early in the morning, a shopping trip for the women, Mexican dinner for the men, fires, tree-cutting, bowling, and more. These are some shots of Colleen trying on her new gifts. All girl...

Christmas 2010

Three excited children sitting 'neath the tree,

Waiting for tomorrow when their presents they will see.

Neatly wrapped and waiting for their happy little hands,
To destroy the outer wrapping as such joyous work demands.

And so as not to be forgotten, hang the stockings in a row,

Stuffed with treasures that are sure to make their tiny faces glow
Now the day has finally come, it's that blessed Christmas morn',
When we celebrate our Savior, baby Jesus he was born

The perfect tea set and a dolly make her waiting worth the while,

And we frantically take snap shots to capture her sweet smile

Blocks for baby and a scooter he will grow into someday,

In the meantime he is happy for another day of play

But the oldest, he's aware now and was filled with pure delight,

For a leapster and motorcycles found their way in through the night!

" Where'd they come from? How'd they get here? Tell me, was it Santa Clause?"

What do you think, curious one? This query demands a pause...

"Every good and perfect gift..." I am reminded of this phrase

As the answer, clear as day, fills my heart with thankful praise.

Merry Christmas 2010

"Mary had a Lamb, you know!"

This is that magical year. The year when turning 4 means you can finally sing on the stage in Big Church in front of everyone. For the Kirkland Family...the year a star was born! Jason was in our church's preschool Christmas musical and did an awesome job. He had practiced for months in the car with a CD of music that some family members (who will remain nameless) were thankful to have retired! In all seriousness, the performance in the 9:00 service was priceless and set the tone for the coming day of celebration. Jason remembered every move and we were the typical proud parents on the edge of our seats with camera and smiles ready. The 11:00 performance was a different story altogether and we will just chalk that up to the "healthy snacks" they were given during the break!

Here he is waiting to begin, discreetly acknowledging us, his loyal fans.

He's got the moves!

Concentrating hard for that clap

Did we mention just how proud we were?!

Gobble, Gobble, Gobble...2010

We spent Thanksgiving this year with our Riley family and had the added surprise of the Deagles being able to join us. They had come earlier for a visit and so between the two we spent many days together "working" in Papa Ron and Nonna's yard and loving fun time together. As usual, the three oldest boys spent their time splitting wood, building fires, and conquering the swing. Riley and Shea were little mothers to Colleen and Caleb. And the three "smelly boys" (Jason, Ty, and Josiah) had many great adventure doing who knows what! So to quote a line from You've Got Mail, "Happy Thanksgiving back!"

Jason and Josiah got to join Ty for his pre-school Fall Festival and each chose their own pumpkin.
Nonna made cupcakes for everyone to decorate. Here they are excitedly waiting.

"Mmmm, this icing should do!"
Every Riley girl knows that sticking your tongue out helps you to concentrate.

The finished product

Caleb was happy to play on his blanket and occasionally be visited by the big boys.

I love this picture. The joy on Ty's face is the perfect picture of what these three seem to feel when they are together. Who wouldn't love it, climbing the slide and crashing down into each other. It's a boy's world.

Shea and Colleen playing dress up in the play house and wearing Nonna's make-up.

Riley is a wonderful little mother to Caleb, practically taking care of his every need.

And this year, even the adults had some fun time on the Ranger. "1...2...3...Punch it!"