...is Chrima time- Part 3

We have a wonderful group of friends that we have gradually begun to establish holiday traditions with. The first was an annual Easter Extravaganza hosted by the Herndons. Then we added a cook-out and fireworks downtown for the 4th of July and a Trick- or- Treat party on Halloween hosted by the Robersons. And this year we added Cookies and Caroling at Christmas.

The kiddos had a great time decorating the cookies Kara made from scratch.

By the time I got my cameral out, Jordan was the only one left eating cookies.

The kids arrived in their Christmas P.J.'s

Branson and Sam playing together, but separate. I love how 4 year olds play like that.

Sisters, Ruthie and Lily Kate, looking adorable 

Getting ready to go out caroling in Brian's truck.

Kendall and Jordan (no, they're not twins) with their cousins, Haley and Hannah

Brave soul, Suzanne, with LK, Branson, Haley, and Nate

Will, Mia, Jordan, Eli, Hannah's forehead, and Kendall

Noah was not happy about this arrangement.

...is Chrima time- Part 2

We enjoyed watching the girls perform in their Christmas programs.

The first performance was at our church. The children re-enacted the Christmas story while the choir sang. Jordan was angelic in her white robe and gold garland halo, with her sweet smile.

Kendall was the 'star'- literally and literally. She wore a gold star costume, and she stole the show. It's difficult in words to describe exactly how entertaining she was, and I hope to find someone with a video of it. Let's just say she was not so happy to be the star and showed her displeasure with very vivid facial expressions.

The girls' cousins were also in the Pageant. Hannah was one of the readers.

Haley and Caleb were sweet angels, too. Haley had a little friend who hugged her through the entire show. And Caleb was enthralled with the choir and looked back at them for most of the show. 

The second performance was Jordan in her Montessori school program. She rehearsed her songs for days leading up to the opening act. And she didn't disappoint. Again, she kept a cheerful smile and sang her heart out. 

Jordy is singing, heart and soul she's singing!

Papa, Nani, Hannah, Aunt Sis, and Haley were Jordy's cheering section!

Sam and Jordy- Aren't they the cutest things?

...is Chrima time- Part 1

We have had a fun month bringing in the Christmas season. The first weekend of December, we finally got around to putting up some decorations and the tree. I am usually gung-ho about going to the tree farm with the family in tow to cut-down a live tree (correction: for Jason to cut down the live tree). But, not this year. I was dragging my feet. We finally planned the BIG day, but decided to get out all the decorations first (we usually get the tree, then retrieve said decorations). And lo and behold what did I find up the attic: a 6 ft. tree in a box that I had totally forgotten about. I must've broke down and bought one after Christmas last year. That put me in the 'holiday' spirit! I also found two miniature metallic trees I had bought for the girls (also forgot about). So, the night ended well...I was happy, the girls loved their gaudy trees, the house was transformed into snowman wonderland, and Jason didn't even have to put lights on the house.

...is Family Festivities-Christmas Time

This past weekend we headed to the ATL to celebrate Christmas with Jason's family. I always love Atlanta at Christmas time, if I can get past the traffic and freezing cold weather. I especially love going to the mall at North Point: the chaos of finding a parking spot, the loud Christmas music blaring all over, the lavishly decorated store fronts, and especially the intensity of the last minute shoppers, some are more focused and passionate than others (Amy, you know what I'm talking about!).

We had a weekend full of activity. Gigi treated us to the movies to watch Yogi The Bear. Then we had dinner with Nana. On Saturday, the girls made cookies that morning with Gigi.

Sloane, Gigi, Kenall, and Jordan

Then, in the evening we celebrated with the entire Turner family, minus a few. Jason is blessed with a large and close family and is 1 of 16 cousins. Now, over half of the cousins are married and most of that half have little ones. So, you can imagine the activity, the noise, the laughter, the body count- well into 40. I love it. The girls got dressed up- their favorite activity! 

 

On Sunday, we had brunch then exchanged gifts with Jason and his immediate family- Gigi; Amy, Chad, and Sloane; Jonathan and Krista; Jeremy.

The girls say: "Get this over with so we can start opening our presents, please."

Sloane says: "but I want to put it in my mouth, daddy"

Jason says: "ooh, now I can download The Black Keys"

Jonathan says: "I'm all set for winter with my gloves, scarf, hat, and Lowes card? What?"

Chad says: "I got a lame elf? What the..."

Krista says: "whoa, that's a lot of pink"

...is Family Festivities-Thanksgiving

The weekend following Thanksgiving, we journeyed to one of my all time favorite places, The Farm, in the Sautee Nacoochee Valley right outside of Helen, GA. It's one of those picturesque and serene places you dream of retreating to. It's complete with a rich history, rolling pastures full of sheep, fresh flowers and vegetables, rocking chairs on the front porch, a fire place with big chairs to curl up in and read, the best chef and hostess known to man...I could go on and on. 

Here are some of the trip's highlights, since pictures do speak louder than words:

Jordan and Kendall drinking Grandpa's famous homemade hot chocolate.

Granny D and Kendall down by the pasture.

Jordan feeding Brayheart.

So funny. One of the sheep picked the bucket up to find more food, then...

She started running around and the rest of them followed her. This went on for a while!

Cousin Sloane 'rocking' her sweet smile!

Back inside warming up by the fire.

Lee Ladies: Mimi, Me & Jordan, Granny D & Kendall, Aunt Amy & Sloane

...is a date with Pappa

Last weekend a friend gave us two tickets to The Grinch Ballet which is performed by a local dance company. I love ballet and have tried to "influence" Kendall to love it, too. She likes to watch the Ballerinas but she doesn't particularly want to be a ballerina. None-the-less, I was excited to take her. The hard part was figuring out how make it work. I had already made plans to go with my mom and sister to bring back what used to be an annual girls shopping trip out of town. So, it was kind of a big deal. I explored how I could get back early, but when I realized it would be virtually impossible, I was disappointed that I wouldn't be able to take her. Jason was scheduled to work a mandatory over-time day, so he couldn't take her. Then I thought of Pappa (my dad). So, I called him and with the disclaimer that he could absolutely say no, thank you, then I asked him to take his grand-daughter on a date to the ballet. He gladly agreed. She dressed up. He picked her up in his truck. She felt so special. Afterwards, he took her to get hot chocolate. A girl couldn't ask for more. What a sweet memory she has now, and what a blessed heart I have to see my dad come through for her. Love you, dad!

...is my Peppermint Stick

Merry Christmas from Jordan!


Peppermint Stick from Rachael Lee on Vimeo.