Our camping trip was wonderful....it was beautiful....and perfect

When we arrived it was snowing!!! Our cabin overlooked the lake filled with cypress trees....cypress knees...dangling moss....and trees with shades of red, yellow, orange, and green leaves. The guys made a fire...while the women talked about...everything....the boys played in forts, jumped off coffee tables, watched their daddies build a fire, and insisted on undressing themselves down to their pull-up. Avie managed to scoot herself where ever the attention was and tried to eat everything she could get her hands on.

We laughed...danced...played...sang Christmas carols...roasted hot dogs...toasted marsh mellows...ate together...watched football....went hiking...canoed...and most of all...we just enjoyed being with each other.

Jack at the playground

The boys eating roasted hot dogs!

Cuddled up Avie

Daddy's Girl

Perfection...

Our hike begins

The Davis'

The Masons'

There was still snow the next day!

Silly Boyz

Avie in my awesome new bag! Thanks Sandra!

The boys in their tent....static and all!

wReStLiNg

Helping their daddies

While canoeing I got a picture of these guys....

American Anhinga...Black bellied darter...or water crow

Much of the day it sits motionless with its wings half spread,

suggesting laundry hung out to dry or perhaps just enjoying some sun.

Thoughts...

cold nose against my breast...big long gulps of breath...and little stuffy noses...this is my proof that winter is here. Avie is currently experiencing her first cold....im a pretty proud momma to know that I made it 8 months with a perfectly well baby. I especially love nursing in the winter...its something about the warmth of your baby cuddled close in your arms...knowing that your providing them with the best growing potion there is...and its seeing your baby look you in the eyes all shiny and warm, as if they are saying...this is the best place in the whole world!

My tree is up...and decorated...stockings are hung...and decorations strategically placed....this will be over and over again once Jack gets a hold of them. I am still awaiting the lights outside the house to go up...but I refuse to get out in this weather...my shopping is 90% done...and thats a great feeling. There are always those last minute small things...like stocking stuffers...and a gift for great grandma...nothing against great grandma...just clueless as what to get an 86 year old woman!

Times are busy...like always during this time of year. I made a promise to myself that I am going to enjoy it...its Avie's first Christmas and Jackson's third....I want to be able to remember this....how special it is....creating traditions....their faces of amazement and curiosity....their lack of understanding of Santa Claus and presents...its a good age to enjoy.

We are leaving to go "camping" this afternoon. We will actually be in a cabin so I guess you cant call it camping...but we will be roasting hot dogs and smores by campfire...so maybe its in between. And I am so excited to see my favorite friend and her family...its going to be a fun time! It is supposed to be really cold...like 25...and maybe even snow...I think I will spend lots of time by the fire.

Here are a few pics of Thanksgiving....

Jack wrestling with his cousins...he's pretty tough for a 2 year old!

My Family

Turkey place cards Jack and I made

Jack & Zack wrestling...if you look closely you can see

Jack's little crack...a few more years and this wouldn't be cute!

My brother & Jack...crazy how much they look alike.

Aunt Jennifer... Brandon's sister

Hubby's Family

The cutest turkey cupcakes Jack and I made...

the ones Jack made are not shown.