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.

Christmas Program

BeBe came up for a Christmas visit to see the girls program at school. We had a great visit! She brought gifts from Jeannie that the girls immediately ripped apart. They slept in their new pajamas and here Ava is wearing her Christmas headband.

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!

We spent Thanksgiving at my mothers this year, which is our tradition. It was a great few days and as always - Betty delivered. We drove down Wednesday night after work and had a late dinner with her and Mike.

True to Lee's nature when we got up, he put Ava to work in the backyard.

Here she is blowing off the back patio.

and raking... a lot...

We watched the parade and enjoyed seeing some of my mom's customers, Gloriana. She texted them and told them they looked great - and they texted right back... from the float!

We relaxed on BeBe's porch. Lee insisted we take Rainey - the new puppy. BeBe was soooo excited. Not really. Nor was his mother on Saturday when she had to drive us back!

Ava in her handmade Thanksgiving hat, complete with Turkey Legs on the sides!

Everyone had their favorites - and BeBe makes it look like it only took a few minutes. My kitchen would never recover. The mess and the time this would take me - well lets just leave it at that. We are always amazed at how she makes it so effortlessly!

The hostess... and EVEN Joy came!

Mary Catherine, Reed, Grace Anne and Ava.

After dinner Jeannie, Jack, Brack and Taylor came over to visit. Always soooo good to see them!

Later we drew names for Christmas and played board games. Grace Anne taught us a new game called "Who Knew" which was a hit. I tried to teach a game - but it didn't exactly take off.

And the Binkley's slept.