New Toys

Today while I took down the Christmas decor Josh played with the new toy I got him for Christmas. At first I wasn't sure if he liked it or not but now I know the truth...he loves it. In fact, I've created a monster!

Josh wasn't the only one who got to play today. While we were busy with his new "pod" the doorbell rang. To my surprise my new digital camera was on my door step. It wasn't supposed to be here for another week so I squealed with excitement.

The battery for my new camera is charging at the moment. I hate that I can't play with it quite yet but it is only a matter of time. It should be up and running soon! I can hardly wait.

**Note: Josh noticed the t-shirt he is wearing in these pictures is also one he wore in some other recent pictures posted on my blog. I told him I would be sure to let you all know that I requested he wear this t-shirt today. You see, my mom bought us "matching" shirts last week and I've been promising her we'd take a picture wearing them. I'm going to put mine on soon so we can capture the moment.

Happy Birthday, Emily!

Today Josh and I went over to Laurie and Steve's house for Emily's birthday party. She turned 2 today. I can't believe it has already been two years since she was born. Emily had a lot of fun at her party. One of her favorite things to do was play "hit the balloon" with Kelly.

At one point Emily got a little tired of entertaining all the guests so she and her friend Reese went to play in her bedroom with Emily's new kitchen.

They had a lot of fun playing together! They are very good friends!

Emily received lots of neat gifts. She was thankful to have Josh there because he helped get them out of their boxes.

I was glad because Emily opened the present I got her all on her own. It was the Beth Moore book, My Child My Princess.

I had a lot of fun at the party. It was great to see Emily and spend time with some of my favorite friends.

Better Late than Never

Unfortunately I've been sick this week so I'm just now getting around to posting pictures from our Christmas gatherings. Christmas Eve is the big to-do for my family. It has been our family's tradition to open our presents on Christmas Eve and then receive our gifts from Santa and our stocking on Christmas morning. And although my sister and I are both adults we still get presents from Santa. We're going to enjoy it while it lasts b.c once kids make it into the picture I'm sure the Santa gifts will become non-existent. Oh, perish the thought!

Those present for our Christmas Eve festivities were:

Josh and my dad

My mom and Granny

Josh and Me

Me, Courtney (my sister), Chloe, Mom

Our first item on the agenda was to go to my aunt's house so my extended family could meet Josh. They wanted to give me their seal of approval. Fortunately he passed their test. I knew he would! After that we went back to my sister's house to eat Pizza Parlor pizza. YUMMM!!! Then we opened presents and drank hot chocolate. If you like hot chocolate then you have to try this kind. It's the best!

And on Christmas morning the highlights were:

Watching Chloe get into her stocking...

...and eating the most delicious croissants. You can order them here.

Branson Bound

Saturday morning, EARLY, Josh and I got in the car and headed to Branson to spend the day with some of his family. Before we left I packed a bag for the car of "things to do" on the way.

I was so excited because I was going to be able to use my new bag...a Christmas present from my friend Kelly (she also got me a super cute necklace that I love). When we got to Josh's aunt and uncle's house we sat around and chit chatted then we ate a great breakfast. Afterwards Josh and I made plans to go to The Landing and then to meet back up with the group at Silver Dollar City to see the Christmas lights.

Here's a picture of Josh and I in front of the fountain at The Landing. It's a little light because of the glare off the water.

After we left The Landing we drove around a while (went to Target and got me some gloves and a scarf for later) and then met everyone at SDC. The weather was pretty good all day until we got out of our cars at SDC. It started to sprinkle a little but nothing much.

This is Josh and I on the trolley.

Once we made it to the park it started raining a little harder...and harder...and harder.

Josh took shelter on a rock under a tree.

Once we met up with part of the group we decided to wait for everyone else inside the bakery. Hallie, Josh's 5 year old cousin, was with us and she and I entertained ourselves with the camera.

Josh took this picture

I took this picture.

Hallie took this picture. Notice her glove over the lens.

Once we met up with the rest of the group we made our way through the park...in the pouring rain! Not only that but the temperature dropped about 20 degrees. We were cold and wet. We tried to stick it out but we couldn't. Half of the group stayed and half of the group let. I only took a couple of pictures on our way out. Oh well...there's always next year!

Gift Exchange

Friday night Josh came over so we could exchange our gifts.

Josh knows me well! When he first arrived he presented me with these fabulous cupcakes...my favorite food and what should be a food group all its own!

These are all my gifts from Josh. He got me a bunch of small things and I got him on big one.

My favorite gift is the knob on the right. For a while now I've been driving around my car without one b/c it broke. It was rather embarrassing but I got used to it and didn't give it much thought. Josh, however, did give it some thought and he found the exact one online. It matches the other perfectly. He's so thoughtful! We had a great time opening presents. Afterwards we ate dinner and watched a movie. Or should I say Josh watched the movie and I "rested me eyes."

Surprise!

The other day I had the BEST surprise!! My friend Katie and her handsome baby Zach came over for a visit! It absolutely made my day! He's one month old today and he's as sweet as ever! The last time I saw him was in the hospital room soon after he was born and my how he has changed! Seriously, he is just the cutest thing! And he smells soooo good! The whole time I was holding him I kept smelling him. Katie was so gracious to let me hold him and love on him for such a long time. My arm was sore the next day but it was well worth it. Katie is one of my best friends and I'm so thankful to have her, and now Zach, in my life! I can't wait to see him grow up and become a fine young man! He sure is off to a good start!

Could he be any cuter? Not a chance!!

Roomie Christmas

Last night we had our roommate Christmas. Technically I only have one roommate, Holly. Our other roommate, Ashley, moved out this past year into her own house. Regardless of the technicalities I still refer to them both as "roomies." Holly and I loaded up our presents and headed to Ashley's house for dinner. Afterwards we sat around, chit-chatted, and then opened presents.

Holly and Ashley

Ashley's tree, Longar Longar* and our presents

We all got lots of really neat things! As for me, I got some Land's End house shoes, flour sifter, potholder and oven mit, Barefoot Contessa cupcake mix, cupcake holder, socks, gift card to Maggie Moos, pullover fleece, a canvas storage bin, and super soft socks. I'd say I had a really good night!

*On Saturday whiled watching the Hogs basketball game against OU I was inspired with another tree name, Longar Longar. This is the name of one of the OU players. Since I already have a name for mine, Holcombe-Faye, and Josh has a name for his, Perrilloux, I was deserpate to find someone worthy enough of the name. After seeing Ashley's tree I knew Longar Longar would do the tree well.