Christmas Tree Time

 I LOVE to pick out a Christmas tree.  We are a family on a mission to find a full, branchy....dare we say fat?  Christmas tree!!

I have a bit of a tendency to pick out trees that don't really fit in our living room.  Not because they are too tall, but because they are too wide.  This year I was so proud of myself for showing some self control.  Well, I was proud for a about 30 minutes.....it turns out that it's just hard to get a good perspective on the tree lot....I think it's perfect even though it's just a touch too wide to fit in it's designated corner.  

Our sweet friends send the kids these Christmas jammies.  Oh.My.Word!  

The kids loved decorating the Christmas tree.  I just love this time of year!

Walker's Baptism

The Sunday after Thanksgiving Walker was Baptized.   Becca and Brian made the trip with baby Wesley....what a treat!!  

If you can't beat 'em .... join 'em!! 

Ahhh - stop the cuteness!!  

Mama made us a great brunch to celebrate.  It was a special day celebrating our special boy!!

Thanksgiving in Jacksonville

We had a great time in Jacksonville playing and visiting with all our fun family!  

How can I get some money?

This is the question Chesson asked me after I told him he couldn't buy more legos because he didn't have any money.  So, it seemed like the right time to start a chore chart.  We are keeping simple....10cents for each chore you do and we pay them every Sunday.  If you do them great, if you don't do them great.  No pressure from us.  It seems to work out well for now.  

I ordered these fun magnets from Etsy.  I could pick out the chores that fit our family (read: chores a 3 & 5 year old can do) and the pictures make it easy for the kids.  

Chesson loves talking about all the things he's going to buy with his money...much to Corbin's chagrin. Corbin is ready to teach them a lesson on interest and saving;o)

Backyard Campfires

Corbin has been wanting to create a campfire area in our backyard for a while.  I have been hesitant, since a fire in the woods sounds like something Smokey the Bear wouldn't approve of.  It seems like bad form to burn down your backyard.  After he talked me through it....basically claiming to be the best fire builder ever and trying to tell me something about how most campfires are built in the woods ---- I closed my eyes and told him to go for it.  

He and Chesson cleared out a space. 

team work

Got some stools

proud fire builders

And viola --- they didn't burn down our backyard.  

They have done this many times now.  We keep all the supplies for s'mores in the pantry, so we're ready for fun anytime!!  Come on over and join us! 

Happy Halloween

Chesson and Anna Corbin knew just who they wanted to be for Halloween this year.   They LOVE to play dress up and pretend, so they were giddy about Halloween.  

Clearly Walker is fired up to be a panda.

There we go, better without the hat.  

Pre-trick or treating pics with Gra-Gra.  She was babysitting the panda.  

We went trick or treating with our friends again this year.....look at these two precious ones!  

A Great Day - 8 Years Ago

Blue Skies and Sunshine

We took a September beach trip which turned out to be my favorite trip of the summer.  The weather was amazing and the beach was ours!  

Papa and his only grand-daughter -- She is already aware of her powers....watch out!

 Chesson learned to boogie board.  Some rides were smoother than others:o)

 I just love this wave jumping picture.  Chesson was enjoying every minute of it...he thought the big waves were fantastic!  Anna Corbin really want to be a part of things, but was practically crawling onto my dad's shoulders for fear of getting too splashed!

 Recently they have become the sweetest playmates.  I'm going to try to remember these pictures the next time they are having a not-so-sweet moment!! 

Walker was there too, but he stayed home for our beach days!  Many thanks to Gra-Gra for snuggling with Walker so I could get out and play.  

Walker 3 months

Our guy started laughing this month.  Oh, the sound of a baby giggle...I had forgotten how sweet it is.  Here are some shots of our chunky monkey.  

3mo old - wearing 9 month clothes:o)  

this face - yes walker, you can have anything you want

hey there blue eyes

my loves

 Walker has been an easy happy baby.  Sure, I know this could change...but, for now we are thankful for smiles and laughter.

even smiling in his sleep

Friends and Football

It's time to admit the truth.  Chesson has declared himself an NC State fan.  My parents,  my sister and her husband along with all our babysitters are State fans.....and State is red - Chesson's favorite color.  So, there you have it.  Corbin is a good sport about the whole thing, but is still trying to convert him back to the blue side.

 Recently Corbin made a little progress (thanks to John) when some dear friends came into town.  The boys were able to go see UNC play.  "In the stadium!" Chesson will tell you with enthusiasm.  

Boys day out! 

 They spent some time on Franklin street where they bought a jersey, ate lunch, and saw this awesome truck!

For that day at least, he was a Carolina fan:o)

Beach Buddies

We spent Labor Day at the beach with our dear friends.  What a treat to spend so many days and nights together.  

The days were full of beach trips, boat rides, and backyard fun.  

Walker made his first trip to the actual beach --- I think he liked it. 

The nights were full of yummy food, uninterrupted conversation, and wine....obviously. 

This is the best we could do on a group shot.  Bonus points for the McGinity fam - the whole crew is looking at the camera!

This is what most of the group shots looked like....Corbin just couldn't get there in time....hysterical

I does my heart good to be with people who know us well and still love us!