Tiny Prints

Well I've mailed out our Christmas card reluctantly.  My annual Christmas letter is so small that you need a magnifying glass to read it.. no kidding!  Oh weeellll!

So if you happen to want to know what it says here ya go! Ha.. wait you still can't read it.

We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a blessed, happy New year of 2014. 2013 has seemed to fly by for us. Eli turned 3 in March and goes to pre-school 2 days a week for 3 hours. He brings so much laughter to our family. Olivia turned 1 in May and is right on track with her speech and language. Her hearing has stayed stable and we are thankful to God. Isaac is in 8th grade; this is his last year before transitioning to high school next year! He has played football and is now wrestling. We took several trips this year... we went to Disney World this summer and then to the beach. The kids loved Disney but Josh and I decided for our sanity sake we wouldn't come back until everyone was 42 inches tall. 2013 has had plenty of laughter but has also had it's share of struggles. Josh lost his job in September of this year so that's been a lesson in faith and patience. He currently has several prospects so we are hoping and praying one of these work out. I'm still staying at home with my babies and most of the time enjoying every minute. Of course there are some minutes I am ready to ship them both off and lock myself in the bathroom, but I do try to soak in these moments because I know the days are long but the years are short. I am working very part time as a Speech Language Pathologist again for a local private practice and that's been nice to feel productive in the working world. Our Golden Retriever, Sampson, is doing well except for a knee injury that required him to have surgery and an artificial ligament. He's recovering nicely and will hopefully be out running through the yard with Eli soon. In November, Josh's grandmother passed away as did my sweet Aunt Jane. After loosing so many family members in such a short time it makes me thankful for the times I do have with my loved ones. I keep a blog to scrapbook our lives, so if you want to find out what we've been up to then check out www.allisonfamilylife.blogspot.com
            

                                                     Merry Christmas!
                                                             Love,
                                                           Summer

Isaac, age 13

                                                 

Eli, age 3

Olivia, age 18 months

Christmas happenings

What have we been up to lately?

We've been shopping- and of course Olivia had to try out the bikes just like Eli.

Eli's held the phone for Olivia to watch Sophia the 1st

I found a baby picture of Isaac as I was cleaning out my laundry room. He  was two here and we lived in Boone at the time while I was in graduate school. 

Puddin' face. We can make a mess in 0.2 seconds.

A little more work has been done on the pool. Tile is installed!

Still so much left to do, but I really like the tile. 

We went to a Wine and Design class in Asheville for my sister Audra's 31st birthday. It was a lot of fun but I have ZERO artistic talent. Mom and Audra have it all. 

My pretty sis and her painting. I tried to trade with her but she wouldn't let me. 

My mama! She made a yummy cheese-ball for us to snack on as we painted.

Eli having some boiled eggs, raisin toast, and milk for breakfast before his field trip. 

Olivia hanging out on the tractor ride at the Sugar Plum Tree farm. 

We were in the BOOOOnies for sure but boy it was beautiful.

Eli driving the sleigh... Reindeer beware!

Visiting Santa. Eli has asked for a red ATV every-time he's seen Santa

It's a Eli Snow-man

Mommy and Livi on the tractor ride

Isaac's Christmas band concert. This was right after he had a wrestling match and won. He rinsed his face and wet his hair in the locker room and threw on his clothes for band. 

We've done a lot of entertaining! Olivia playing with her friend Griffin. He was putting make-up on her. 

We've played games.. or tried to anyway.

One of my besties, Kellie and Olivia. 

Annual Christmas party for Jonathan!

We've ate muffins in our jammies

Stomped around in Mommy's shoes and Daddy's hats- the closet is a favorite play spot.

Last minute Christmas shopping with Isaac in tow. Oh how I enjoy taking him out to eat. Eli and Olivia.. not so much

Isaac is a GREAT Elf.

Making Gingerbread cookies!

Attempting to make a Gingerbread house. This was right before all the mini candy balls spilled all over the floor.

House was a flop!

Christmas is coming!

Here's a link up to Kelly's Korner Christmas home tour. We've had fun decorating this year!

I bought this fresh 'kissing ball' on Eli's field trip this week. There is a touch of mistletoe hanging underneath

 It was very interesting putting that big wreath up there! I held the ladder while Josh climbed.

Entry way garland

Living room. Our tree is decorated in red, gold, and bronze

Olivia watching cartoons

Olivia's tree

Polar Express

My sister and I decided to take the littles on the Polar Express again this year. The last time we went Camden was just a wee baby, Eli was 20 months old and Carter was 2 1/2. The boys have all been watching the movie religiously for weeks and they were very excited about riding the train. We got tickets for Sunday and made it a family affair! Well everyone went except for Isaac... He graciously opted out. We took him when he was 3 and I guess he thought he was too big to go now that he's 13.

All four kids enjoyed the hot cocoa and cookie... especially Olivia.  However, they were most excited about seeing Santa and getting a Christmas bell. We sang Christmas songs on the way back to the depot and everyone was in the Christmas spirit. 

Olivia with her tree and new Christmas dress

Audra and Camden

My mom.. aka Nana

The result of.....Eli, hold up your ticket and let me take your picture

That's better!

Daddy and his girl

Carter in his Christmas PJs

Playing on the train seats watching for Santa

The hot cocoa was a favorite

'Ummm' says Olivia after every bite

It's Santa bringing bells!

Eli in awe