We're still alive!!!

Okay, so things have been a little crazy around here and I've really gotten behind with the blog. We had a wonderful holiday season and now we're excited for the new year that's begun! We have so many things to look forward to and wish each of you a happy and healthy new year!

Sesame Street Live

On Friday we went to see Sesame Street Live: When Elmo Grows Up with Ryan, Jen, Elle, Grammy and Grampy. This was the first live show that either Tyler or Elle had been to and they both loved it! Tyler smiled, clapped and danced the whole time and wasn't afraid of the rather large characters that kept walking around the aisles. The video captures Tyler's initial reaction during the first minutes of the show when Elmo and Big Bird first walked out on stage. I was worried at first that he was going to be scared but as you can see, he warmed up very quickly. Please excuse the poor quality of the video - it was taped with our camera and is pretty blurry but you get the idea!

Waiting for the show to begin Ryan, Jen, Tyler and Elle

New Year's Eve

We had a pretty low-key New Year's eve this year. We went to Ryan and Jen's with the Colburn side of the family and enjoyed a delicious dinner prepared by Ryan. Then we hung out the rest of the evening - playing games, watching movies and playing with the kids. Some of us ended the evening watching the fireworks show by Ryan and Brad. Boys will be boys and they couldn't ring in the new year without fireworks! It was nice to spend another evening with family just relaxing and having a good time. Thanks Ryan and Jen for a fun night!

Tyler pretending to go to sleep on the ottoman

Amanda, Jen, Lisa and I playing games

Merry Christmas

We are very fortunate to live pretty close to all of our family so we don't have to choose between them for the holidays. This year, we had some extra family in town from California - Auntie Linda, Lisa and Amanda. It was so nice to have them here this year for the holidays. Christmas Eve we headed to Grammy and Papa Booker's house and enjoyed food, gifts, games and great company.

Can you tell that they are excited to see each other?

Amanda and Brad

Lisa, Amanda, Elle and Tyler

Tyler lovin' on his cousin Amanda

The whole gang

Christmas morning after we opened our gifts from Santa, we headed to the Colburns for a delicious Christmas breakfast.

Then on Christmas afternoon all of my family came down to our house for Christmas dinner. It was nice to have them down to our house this year and was so nice to be together for a little while.

Tyler and Macey waiting for their capsules to turn into airplanes

Sweet Garrett, patiently waiting for dinner

The day after Christmas we headed up to Asheville to have another Christmas dinner with my grandmother and my mom's side of the family. It was so nice to be together and having all the cousins together. We don't get together too often so it's nice when we are able to spend some time together.

All of the cousins (except Zachary) - Tyler, Macey, Garrett, Kayla and Micah

Panthers Game

On December 14 we went to the Carolina Panthers vs. Denver Broncos game in Charlotte. This was Tyler's first NFL game and he loved it! We were worried about how cold it was going to be but we got all bundled up and managed to stay pretty warm despite the chilly temperatures. Tyler is a big football fan and really enjoyed cheering on his team with the rest of the crazy fans. It was a great game with the Panthers winning 30 to 10. Go Panthers!!!

Tyler and daddy getting ready for the game

Can you feel the excitement???

Cousins

Watching Little Einsteins together

Elle got to come over to our house and play one evening while Ryan and Jen had a Christmas party to attend. They always have so much fun together. I took these pictures right before she had to go home. Aren't they cute!!!