Kirks' Christmas Recap

We stayed home this year and it was so great to play, play with the children. Christmas Eve morning we had breakfast with Santa at the Carolina Inn with Nana and Pop and it was so much fun. Wyatt ran those halls as if he owned them. I could eat him up as if he were cheesy grits they serve there! I just love the way light beams in through the windows on these photos.

An actual decent picture with Santa!

I must add a video here. When Santa breaks out in a "ho,ho,ho" Wyatt's face is priceless. He didn't realize who's lap he was sitting on and he jets like a running back! Hilarious!

Daddy got his picture taken with a very tall Eric Montross (former Carolina and pro-basketball player) who was also dining with his family. He probably could have fit in his lap!

And of course our forever attempt at a family shot (why do I even bother?)

Thanks Nana and Pop for a very memorable morning!

More to come on the Christmas morning excitement. Have I mentioned our camera broke? That has just complicated things for us quite a bit so my picture posting abilities are delayed....

We left the cookies and picture out for Santa:

Wyatt was SUPER excited about his new train table. And yes, if you look closely it is BARELY light outside, thanks to my early riser - Miss E. It kept him occupied for several hours while Emerson opened her many, many gifts. None of which were as important as the Snow White doll she asked Santa for:

Fun times having a sibling to share Christmas morning with. I have such fond memories of my sister and I waking up excited on Christmas morning.

And mommy's favorite part - the stocking. Who knew a sock could hold so much happiness (and wife-beaters)?

My New Year's Resolutions

So I know this is usually about the kids, and I hesitate to put anything in writing - but I'm trying to hold myself to a few things for once in my life:
1. Improve my relationship with God.
2. Laugh more, stress less.
3. Spend more time with my friends.
4. Read one book a month (this is going to be the hardest).
5. Take a photography class.
6. Take 15 minutes a day for me.
7. Tell my loved ones how much I care way more often than I do!
8. Forgive, forgive, forgive.
9. Learn to bargain hunt (uuughhh).
10. Get more Vitamin D (in a healthy way, of course)!

11. Remember what these are.

The Annual Grandchildren in Matching Jammies Picture

Great weekend before Christmas

Not too much to report, just a great relaxing weekend before Christmas, and I don't think I've ever used that word to describe the weekend before Christmas before. It's all about the kids. Oh yeah, I did get a new car - had to leave the Volvo behind - it needed too many repairs that we couldn't afford. Now Mommy has a new "cool car."

We went to a live nativity scene, so excited about baby Jesus:

Trying to warm up with some hot chocolate afterwards, watching Rudolph, of course:

Snuggle time with Mama, wow I love this time of year:

So You Think You Can ....Dance?

Not so much...Emerson had a mini-recital last weekend where the parents came into to watch the last ten minutes of class. As they entered the stage, I noticed Emerson had a magic wand in her hand and none of the other little girls did. This wasn't a good sign. As they pranced on stage to place themselves on their sticker, Emerson had a little something else planned for HER recital. Yes, her very own recital within the recital that the other children were dancing to. She twirled and threw that wand as if she had been practicing it for weeks and I just hoped and prayed it didn't hit anyone. I was tempted to take it from her, but I didn't want to ruin anyone else's video when she threw a fit. At last, the wand dropped and slid across the floor underneath the Christmas tree. I thought she would get back on track, but of course that didn't happen and she crawled under the tree to retrieve it. The other parents were quite amused and trying to catch our reaction. Emerson finally did participate a bit with the tap and of course she always loves the tumbling.

Erick and I didn't say a word to each other on the way home. We went out to dinner for his birthday that night, and he said to me, "I don't know about you, but I was mortified today." I answered, "No, not me. I'm getting used to having the spirited child. At least everyone will remember her." There's no doubt about that.

As we were leaving that day, the teacher made sure to point out they would start practicing for their real recital next summer right after the holidays. Not sure why she directed it at us???!

So Much to Share...

Aunt Tiffy and the cousins came last Wednesday and we had a ton of fun. We played at the park on a very cold Thursday, and even got to play some basketball! We did so much, I'll just let the pictures speak for themselves:

Ready for the big event, Disney on Ice!

So much fun!

And if that wasn't enough, we celebrated Madison's 5th birthday! WOW! Can't believe it.

It seems like just yesterday that we were in California celebrating her birth. That was such a magical Christmas:

My Best Friend Gary

Who new Elf on the Shelf could change so many people's lives???!! Emerson matter of factly named him "Gary" and he is our new best friend. Thanks Brett for bringing him to us!