Grace Anne's Birthday

Happy 10th Birthday Grace Anne!

I told you your present was going to be awesome.

After opening Grace Anne's gifts, we headed to Perfect North for the girls first try at skiing. They did great, not even a fall! We were nervous Grace Anne would not enjoy it - but she is in love with it. Daddy - let's head west!

Pam and her kids joined us. Here I am with Ava and Hagan.

My Snow Bunny.

Houston riding the lift up with us.

Pam and Hagan enjoying the beautiful weather!

Does Houston look thrilled to be with 3 girls?

Lee and Grace Anne heading up to her first "Green".


Ava heading back up the Bunny Slope for another run.


Hagan rocking it out.

Grace Anne

Lee giving Ava some tips...

After we left we stopped at Fat Katz for the best pizza in the Bluegrass!

Happy Birthday Sweetie!

Christmas Day

We woke to a beautiful snow on the farm. Normally, this would be a treat for our Tennessee family, but they had a white Christmas as well! The girls woke around 4 am and tiptoed around to see what Santa had brought. Lee and I enjoyed listening to all of their whispers and excitement. After an hour or so they retreated back to bed with many goodies in hand. The girls and I slept in while poor Lee went out to check on things. I made a great breakfast... Paula Dean's French Toast Casserole and Sausage Grits out of Splendor in the Bluegrass.

We opened gifts from our family in the morning.

Lee got a new vest!

Grace Anne got the scarf that she was "dying for".

Ava should stay warm...

And so should Lee!

The girls exchanged gifts. They were thrilled!

Grace Anne was excited to FINALLY receive a new silky. I know, she is 10. But she loves them, so Ava gave her the one she has longed for. Ava got a new diary with horses on the front and a bracelet that says "Dreamer".... which of course she took offense to.

They were both thrilled with

Lilly Notecards and Philosophy Bubble Bath from Aunt Nancy and Uncle Gary.

Grace Anne BEGGED for this Breyer Horse, "Bet Your Blue Boones".
Thank goodness for Santa!

My family arrived in the afternoon. They were excited about the snow.

Joy and Momma - happy to be here after a long drive!

Joy and I played in the snow.

Lee pulled a sled with the Mule. I would have paid big bucks to rent some Reindeer.

Mary Catherine and Mike

Hot Chocolate was definitely on the menu.

Momma enjoyed from a distance.

After a lot of fun, we came in to open MORE gifts!

Here is Joy, also an avid Photographer.

BeBe

I really hope that Lee's new hunting vest from Reed doesn't inspire ANOTHER trip to Kansas.

Mike and Mary Catherine

Gifts from Mike - the girls have already worn Taylor Swift out. Grace Anne is practicing for the February talent show. She and her friends are singing "Sparks Fly".

BeBe had the biggest box.

Hoss came with Joy and was super sweet.

Grace Anne showing off her new Half Chaps.

Mike and Reed are ready for Dinner.

Menu: Beef Tenderloin with a Gorgonzola Sauce, Roasted Cherry Tomatos, Spinach Gratin, Twice Baked Potatoes with Mushrooms.

Merry Christmas

Christmas Eve

We went to Saint Peters for the 5:30 Christmas Eve Service. Grace Anne was selected to read the gospel - what a very traumatic week we had preparing. She swore she would not, could not, absolutely NOT read at church - particularly on Christmas. She did a beautiful job and we were so proud of her. The Jucketts and MiMi joined us and cheered her on. We were all surprised to learn, Ava was to serve as an Angel. The surprise included Ava, who did not know until we arrived. She may look happy in this photo - but inside she was steaming. She didn't want to look so cute!

Grace Anne was very relieved when it was over!

After the service, we went to MiMi's for dinner and of course, presents!

Ava loves MiMi's Beef Tenderloin.

Can we open the gifts yet???

Each Granddaughter received a new pair of Christmas pajamas! Our girls got nightgowns with Labradors wearing scarves. They were a hit!

As the night drew to a close, the snow softly fell.

And to all, a Good Night.