Merry Christmas!

Merry, Merry!

The past several days have reminded us how lucky and blessed we are to have such wonderful and caring families and friends. We enjoyed the spirit of this holiday season and hope you did, as well.

(Part III)

I think this catches us up - be sure to check Part I and Part II.

A beloved holiday tradition for Zach and I is the Annual Van Tassel Christmas Tree Party in Brown County. It seems even more special to us now that we have Bennett. This event includes our beautiful Christmas tree, a visit from santa (who sometimes has a bloody mary or two before arriving), 'Twas the Night Before Christmas and lunch at the Nashville House with dear friends to the Ford family.

Zach, Bennett and Dr. Van Tassel - the host. I am not sure of the exact date, but I think the Van Tassel cabin is pre-1900...a special place.

Santa reading 'Twas the Night Before Christmas and little Will Yeo looking on - completely unafraid of Santa!

Bennett and Santa. Going pretty well.

Checking out this curious man...

For comparison, here are a couple pictures from the 2008 Christmas Tree Party when Bennett was just about 5 weeks old. It is hard to believe this was just one year ago.

So tiny. Comparatively, Bennett looks like a giant in this year's pictures.

I adore this picture.

(Part II)

Whitney and Eric came to town the first weekend in December for two showers and a little wedding planning. A lovely couples shower was hosted one evening and that was followed by a cute and fun "kitchen" shower for the girls the next day.

Whitney and Eric opening a beautiful piece of framed artwork by Douglas David. The artist joined the Ford's in St. Simon's one year and this painting is a result...bringing special meaning to it for Whitney and Eric.

Now to the Kitchen Shower...these bags hold items that are supposed to help Whitney on her wedding day and/or honeymoon. The item(s) start with the letter written on the bag. We had to guess what was in each one...no peeking, but you could pick it up or shake it. How creative!

The bride-to-be with her mom and two close friends from college. They joined Whitney in Indianapolis for the weekend (from Cincinnati and NYC!).

Catching Up (Part I)

Dating back a few weeks, here is a picture from Thanksgiving. We enjoyed the entire Quinnette family at my parents' house for the day. My grandfather, seated with my father and uncle on the couch and their spouses and families. It is special to have my grandpa and Tootie in town (from FL) to visit and see his four great-grandsons. The day gave us much to be thankful for in a year that has been difficult on many families.

Elf Yourself

I know this is old, but I had to do it again this year. Still somewhat entertaining...

Singing
http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/oBrcTD51Nnm7qRHv1xDP

Disco

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/t1e7zGS1w6ZArDZjyIOJ

Catching Up Is Hard To Do

With Bennett finding his way into EVERYTHING, I am finding time to accomplish other tasks increasingly difficult. So, we are a bit behind on posting and I have a couple pictures that illustrate why...

This was after Bennett opened my deoderant (the cap does not come off easily) and began eating it. Thankfully, it stuck to the roof of his mouth and I was able to scrap it out and call poison control - as suggested on the label. They reassured me he would be just fine and offered to send me a packet of information and a magnet with emergency info...hint, hint.

The weekend before Thansgiving we went to the IU/PU game in Bloomington. Bennett's first tailgating experience was a success - just too bad IU lost.

In case there was any question where our loyalties lie, Zach attached an old IU license plate to our stroller. Here Papaw and Bennett are playing.

And on to more exciting toys, Bennett found a beer to spill and attempt to play in. On Sunday of that same weekend, we attended Cooper's first birthday party. Poor little guy was a little under the weather, but still enjoyed his birthday and new toys.

Look at those blue eyes!

His older brothers ready to sing and help him with his birthday cake.

Work Time Waster

Have some time? The videos are uploaded after a long delay. Feel free to peruse these recent videos of Bennett at his birthday and just hanging around the house. Please keep in mind I detest narrating. And remember to pause the music player to the right of this post in order to hear audio from the videos clearly.

The first weekend of November was unseasonably warm and allowed for the kids to play outside at Bennett's birthday.


Bennett has been walking for a bit now, albeit not very well. Now that he is on the move we have to keep our eyes on him. He can get into trouble pretty quickly.

Many of you have heard me preach about the Avett Brothers over the last few years. Well not only do they play great music, but they also serve a medicinal purpose as well. It seems that they are one of the few things that can make Bennett stop what he is doing and be still, which is very soothing and rewarding for the adults in charge. As demonstrated in this video below during the Avett Brothers on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon.