Snow Storm 2012!

Arkansas isn’t exactly known for its “winter weather.”  In fact, a week before Christmas it was about 65 degrees. Then, out of nowhere, mother nature slammed us with a giant snow storm. We got 10 inches in Cabot.  Of course, we were in Marion.  But, we drove back the next day.  Sadly, our power was out, but our very gracious Nana and Dadoo put us up at Casa de la Veazey for the next 24 hours.  Turns out, that’s a better place to be during the snow anyway.  What little boy doesn’t want to ride four wheelers and rangers in the snow????

Christmas Eve and Morning 2012

Like most families, we do lots of bouncing between houses on the holidays. But, rather than complain about the traveling and shuffling around, I’ll just say a praise to God that we are all close enough to see each other and enjoy our big family!

We spent Christmas Eve day in Carlisle with Greg’s family.  After eating turkey and dressing, one would think the kids would be hounding us to open presents. Not a peep.  So, we let the kids run around and play for a while. The weather was nice – so of course, the four wheeler and ranger came out.  We played a little t-ball and threw some rocks….then, we found the presents!  All the kids had a great time opening presents and enjoying their new toys. The big kids got some pretty great stuff too!!

Eli and Gabriel enjoying their new “big boy chairs” from Nana and Dadoo.  Jake has one and its been used just about as much as any piece of furniture we have!

Tracking Santa on the internet!  They kept an eye on it ALL DAY!

Greg and Gabriel – Greg’s nephew….and such a SWEETHEART!

Putting cookies out for Santa!

Nan and Pappaw came to Cabot to wait on Santa and see what he brought Christmas morning!

Daddy reading “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

Jake asked Santa for snow.  Unfortunately, the snow hadn’t arrived yet – so I just got up early and sprayed the windows and taped up some homemade snow flakes!  Jake was impressed- which was my goal!   We had breakfast casserole, biscuits and fruit…and waited.  FINALLY  at 8:15 Jake decided to wake up.  Unfortunately, Eli was up and ready to go at 7:00!

 

Christmas Morning was all I had hoped it would be!  The kids were excited. Both sets of grandparents were able to make it and the food was good.  We hung around the house and played for a few hours and then loaded the truck and headed to Marion.  Unfortunately, Eli got pretty sick. We ended up in the ER with croup.  Not on the itinerary for Christmas, but hey – we rolled with it.  Jake stayed at Nan and Pappaw’s and opened gifts with his cousins. He had a BLAST and is still talking about his new toys.  Eli got a breathing treatment and a steroid and spent most of the night laying on my chest.  Despite spending Christmas in the ER with Eli, it was a GREAT day.  We are so very fortunate that Eli just has croup. There were much sicker babies there with us.

Christmas 2012 is in the books….on to a FANTASTIC 2013!!!

This group–it’s a WILD one! Ferguson Christmas 2012

We had the Ferguson Christmas at our house today.  Lots of babies, lots of kids, lots of fun!!!  God has really blessed us with a special family.

Gracen and Jackson Thornton – Greg’s cousin’s kids!

Jackson (age 3) playing outside!

Tammy and Gabriel, 14 months

Brotherly Love!

Poor Eli got a bad scratch on his face during the party.  But, like always, he was a trooper!  Dadoo and Nana sure do love their grandbabies!   Gabriel – 14 months and Eli – 10 months.

Caden, Morgan, Madison and Jake

And, as always, it’s a debacle getting a picture of this many kids!!! But hey – its part of growing up!

Baby Jake!  Jake is Amanda’s youngest. He just turned one!

 

And, as always, a BOX can provide more fun than just about any toy!

Eli, 10 months, Dadoo, and Gabriel, 14 months

Greg’s sister, Angie, and her family

Morgan, Eli and Madison