Christmas

We had such a wonderful Christmas this year. I am still a little sad it is already over. Always goes by too fast. It was such a treat for John to be off work, spend the holidays in town and see both families! We spent Christmas Eve day with John's family. Christmas Eve night with Christian and Linsey at the Alison's annual Christmas party. Christmas day back with John's family. Then, Sunday we hosted my family at our house. Friday to Sunday was a bit hectic, but I felt we were really able to enjoy being with family.

Christmas Eve Brunch

A very quick picture we were not exactly ready to take...oh well!

Happy girl after lots of sugar!

Baby girl loved her toys. Everyone kept telling me she would be more into the paper and boxes, but not the case for Caroline. She knew there were new toys around. So fun having a little one around at Christmas. John and I had the best time putting a few toys together Christmas Eve.

Just chilling in her new wagon and vest.

Comparing her new purse to mom's purse.

Fun games with the Phelps family Christmas night

I cannot keep a bow in Caroline's hair for 2 seconds before she pulls it out, but the minute someone put reindeers ears on her she loved it. Looks like we might be wearing headbands in the future.

Caroline learned to say "Ho, Ho, Ho!"

Sweet cousins

Glad we got to see Natalie briefly.

Sibling picture

Hope everyone else had a very Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Santa Year 2

We did our annual Santa visit a few weeks ago. Last year's pics were so sweet and this year was well, a little more emotional (as to be expected). Everyone has to have at least one meltdown year with Santa, right? I have a feeling we might have several tough years with Santa.

It does make for cute pictures though.

Mom and Dad quickly sit me down and walk away

This is not fun

It's getting worse

Total meltdown

I see you mom and dad laughing at me!

That's it, I'm done. Don't touch me Santa.

Regardless of Caroline's meltdown is this not the best Santa?! Oh, he is so real looking and so sweet!

Christmas Wedding

reunion. 13 - 2. hotel. dallas. burgers. mani/pedi. girly luncheon. casa milagro. secret santa. chaos. more food. worship. laughter. tears. pictures. hilarious photographers. remembering Sweet. DJ. dance party. little sleep. trooper husbands. more food. whip my hair. best friends. AU fight song. Kenny's cheer. roll out. sonic. shopping.

ivy got married.

All pictures by Amelia Strauss Photography

Friday Favorite/Big News!

I have not done a Friday Favorite picture in a while but this the just the right one for this week. My brother, Christian, and his wife, Linsey (pictured below in the middle) are expecting TRIPLETS! Yep, Count 'em 1,2,3! I could not be more excited! I cannot wait to be an aunt and I cannot think of anyone better than C & L to be parents to 3 at once. It is ALOT to take on and I know the Lord has chosen them specifically for these three little blessings. The babies are due late spring/early summer and all very healthy right now. Please pray for continued health for Linsey and the babies. Happy weekend everyone!

Last Day

On the final day of our Thanksgiving trip, we headed back into the city to hit up some tourists attractions. I didn't get any pictures this time at Pike Place Market, but it is very fun. It is enormous. Sits right by the water and goes on for blocks. It is also where the first Starbucks is located. The rest of the afternoon was mainly just spent overlooking the city in the Space Needle. Two things I have learned about myself when traveling: 1. I love cities with water (as in ocean, rivers, lakes) and 2. I love to find the best place to overlook the entire city. I could write a whole post just on my favorite overlooks in different parts of the world. We will save that for another time! Okay, enjoy these last pics and sorry it took me forever to write about our whole trip. We truly did have a blast and I wanted to capture it all! If you have never taken a trip to the Northwest, I highly recommend it!

Port Townsend

Our day spent in the quaint little town of Port Townsend was probably my favorite. We took the ferry over from Whidbey. I love the ferry rides in Washington. I get so used to traveling in cars that it is fun to switch it up and walk onto the ferry or you can drive your car on the ferry if you need to.

On the ferry
I love those cheeks!
Approaching Port Townsend
Downtown

We had fun looking at all the precious houses and old churches

Overlooking the town

Forgot to mention baby girl started walking (although she is not doing it in this picture) while we were in Seattle. It was really special because my whole family was there to watch it. It is funny though because even though she can do it she is still not totally sure of herself and will crawl many times or just stand in place like her legs cannot move!

Day 2 and SEC Championship

I cannot finish catching up from our Thanksgiving trip without mentioning the Auburn Tigers and how they dominated in the SEC Championship game! It was fabulous to be there and wonderful having so many Auburn fans here in Atlanta. A memory we will never forget!

Post-Game Celebrations

Ok, back to Thanksgiving. Friday after Thanksgiving was the Auburn/Alabama game so of course, our whole day was planned around watching the game. Another unbelievable Auburn win. By far the most amazing comeback I have ever seen and even sweeter that it was against our biggest rival at their stadium. We always love Auburn but it has been extra special this year (as if you couldn't tell by our excitement and my numerous posts about AU!!)
I didn't take pictures of us watching the game because it was way too stressful 90% of the time. But, in true bachelor fashion, this is my brother's Christmas tree (and only Christmas decoration for that matter). Yes, this is for real! WAR EAGLE!
Friday also consisted of watching this deer right outside the window. It scared all of us half to death because it was so close (no zoom on camera). Literally, his house sits so close on this "cliff". After the excitement of watching the deer for a few minutes we started to panic again worrying the sweet thing might walk off the cliff. Thankfully, we did not witness that and it never happened! Whew.
Another great view from the patio when the sun came out. We actually had great Seattle weather. Not too cold and never rained. Pretty rare this time of year there.
Later Friday afternoon, we headed to Deception Pass bridge. The only bridge to Whidbey Island. Most people ride the ferry to the island, but this is the only way by car. The bridge is so high! I have walked across it once but couldn't do it again this year. It freaks me out to stand in the middle of it and look down.
The water below is beautiful though!
And here are a few more pictures from our Thanksgiving lunch Thursday. Sorry, I jumped all over the place today.

Caroline's first attempt with crayons.
So happy to be off the place and with Mimi.

I still have many pictures to share from our trip and hope to soon! I am so behind I cannot even get to our Christmas celebrations yet! Goodness, I love this time of year! So many blessings and so much to be thankful for.