WE SURVIVED OUR FIRST ICE STORM!
I've heard of these crazy Southern ice storms before, but until you see it in person it just doesn't do them justice. They're scary but yet beautiful at the same time. It's like our neighborhood was one big ice sculpture. We lost power for about 8 hours, froze our booties off with no heat, and of course Dave was out flying, but all in all we survived. It's times like these that I'm so glad I've been taught over and over again to be PREPARED!
I love this pic of Cars. He's so tired and it totally shows. His coach keeps him in for most of the game because he's just so dang good. The only problem is that he's just beat by the end of the game. I know I brag like crazy about this boy, but I can't help but be his number one cheerleader!!!
I was lucky enough to get away for a week and go see my sisters, their families, and my Mom in Montana. While I was there I got to meet this sweet little nephew of mine...Isaac. He's adorable and I had so much fun taking pics of him. Alyson and Greg you did well!!!
Cara definitely has the OCD/cleaning bug in her genes. Her new thing lately is rearranging the pantry. It's a surprise everyday for me when it comes to making dinner and I can't find my ingredients. I'm always happy to have her around when it comes to straightening up the house. She finds excitement in it, where as the other two....well that's a whole other story!!!
I woke up to this....how funny, Ryleigh is totally asleep right on top of Cara and it doesn't seem to be bothering either one of them. My kids are all very sound sleepers....you can tell by how wide open their mouths are haha! I loved sharing a room with my sisters. Those were some of our fondest memories. Gotta love having sisters!
Yep that's it. Like 1/8 of an inch. Of course we didn't mind. It feels a little more like home.
The kids with the neighbors playing in what little of the snow we had. Out here though, this is a big deal so it makes it really fun for the kids.
Don't you love Ryleigh's "Ralphie" (Christmas Story) suit haha!!! She's been dying to wear this and finally she could. I was laughing at her though and it was making her so mad. Cara had fun making snow angels on the sidewalk because there wasn't enough in the grass. Gotta make-do with what we have folks!
Cara and her BFF Tyler
BACK TO SCHOOL TOMORROW!
Happy to announce I have upgraded my camera. Dave surprised me big time with this camera and I must admit I LOVE IT, but I'm so overwhelmed with it too. I figure practice makes perfect and all I can do is just start from the beginning (learning how to turn it on) and go for it. I'm a total "hands on" person so all of the reading and DVD's are starting to wear my brain out, but I'm super excited to use my creativity and take some fun photos. I decided I would just start by taking some shots of my favorite things and these were the first things that came to mind. Yep, my cowboy boots for dancing, Beale Street for BBQ, and no surprise to any of you, my choice of drink Diet Mtn. Dew. I have a long ways to go especially when I compare myself to my fellow photo bloggers, but I'm on my way....I think!!!
Introducing.....QUIGLEY! 
Christmas morning was definitely one to remember. Santa was VERY kind to the kids this year. Santa was so good that he even talked me into getting the kids a dog. Yep, I did it~I finally gave in (jaws dropping to the ground). 
For Christmas Eve we went over to our friends the Smith's. We decided to go with my families tradition and celebrate Mexican style. We had lots of yummy Mexican food, a pinata, and decorated sugar cookies for Santa. The kids were tracking Santa all night on NORAD which as you all know made for great bed time bribing. Thanks Smith's for a wonderful Christmas Eve!!! Now for Mom and Dad, the night just begins.....
