Live Nativity

On Sunday Harry, Alaina, and I went to a local church to see a Live Nativity. Alaina had a wonderful time and loved seeing the animals. She was very upset that there was no cow at the nativity but we did see plenty on Christmas Eve on the way to church. 

 The Manger

 Alaina wanted to pet the camel so badly. We told her that she probably already had petted this camel since it most likely came from the Lazy 5 Ranch (we visited there earlier this fall).

Alaina checking out the sheep, goats, and the donkeys. 

Finally, this picture is not from the Nativity but from our visit to Birkdale to see Santa. This picture is hilarious! We think Alaina looks like a character from Lord of the Rings.

Christmas Eve 2012

We have had a wonderful Christmas Eve at our house this year. The day began with lots of baking (coffee cake, pecan cookies, cheese ball, cheesy potatoes, and quiche) and quickly moved on to decorating a Gingerbread House. This was the first time Harry, Alaina, and I had ever decorated a Gingerbread House and I think it turned out great. 

Harry and Alaina beginning the construction 

Harry, hard at work, piping the icing. 

Enjoying some icing and candy. 

Alaina and I decorating the house. 

One of my favorite pictures... Alaina and me decorating. 

Gingerbread Houses are so much fun! 

Even Joey got in on the action!

 Our finished product. 

After the decorating we watched some Christmas movies, including Frosty the Snowman.

Here Alaina is marching through the streets of town (you know, down to the traffic cop) just like the kids in the movie.

We were off to church at 4:00 with Harry's parents and sister, Laura, but somehow we didn't get a picture of us all dressed up. Right now, Alaina is sleeping all snug in her bed and, according to NORAD, Santa is in Qaasuitsup, Greenland. We are awaiting his visit here and we are hoping that we all made the good list. 

Merry Christmas!

Alaina's Visit With Santa

Alaina loves Santa Claus. She talks about him a lot and was very excited to hear that she would be visiting him today. Alaina couldn't stop talking about him in line and was very excited when it was our turn to visit with Santa. She was a little shy and didn't want to sit with Santa alone (just like last year) so Harry and I both ended up sitting on Santa's chair with Alaina. We still got an awesome picture, and Alaina (and Harry and I) all told Santa that Alaina hoped for a teddy bear and puzzles. 

Alaina and Santa

December 22, 2012

Happiness is...

Christmas shopping on a cold day with a lollipop. 

Only 3 more days till Christmas!

Christmas at Biltmore

This past weekend Harry and I went to Christmas at Biltmore in Asheville. We were engaged at Biltmore exactly ten and a half years (to the day) at Biltmore so this trip also served as a little anniversary trip. We had a wonderful time (and so did Alaina who spent the weekend with her grandparents).

 Biltmore at dusk.

 A beautiful sunset over the gardens. 

Our engagement spot.

The giant tree in front of Biltmore. 

Harry and me in the Biltmore breakfast room.

A beautiful evening at Biltmore.

Merry Christmas!

Stationery card

View the entire collection of cards.

Christmas Parade

 Yesterday Alaina was feeling a little better (she's had a week of illness) so we decided to head up to Davidson for the North Mecklenburg Christmas Parade. Alaina was tired and didn't get to stay to see Santa at the end of the Parade, but she enjoyed seeing the other participants.

Me and my sleepy baby. 

Alaina did a little dancing. 

My favorite (and one of Alaina's, too) was the horse drawn carriage. The 6 Clydesdales were gigantic! 

Alaina and Harry enjoying the parade.

Thanksgiving

Harry, Alaina, and I hosted our family's Thanksgiving this past Thursday and we had a wonderful meal and wonderful time together. Harry's parents and his sister, Laura, came and so did my parents. We were very thankful that we could spend Thanksgiving together.

Alaina and Laura mixing the green bean casserole. 

Our table set and ready for the meal.

Christmas Card Photo Shoot

This morning Alaina and I had a little Christmas Card Photo shoot.

This is one of my favorites because her tongue is out and it shows a bit of her personality.

A Visit to the Zoo

Today Harry, Alaina, and I met my sister, Martha, and my niece and nephews, Madison, Luke, and Alex, at the NC zoo. We enjoyed some quality time together and seeing some interesting animals. Alaina was looking forward to seeing the elephants and the bears the most. 

The cousins (Alex, Alaina, Madison, and Luke)

Alligator!

Harry and Alaina looking at the geysers. 

Another attempt at a cousin picture (this pretty much sums up the day).

Madison and Alaina spent a lot of time holding hands yesterday. 

Madison and Harry (on a cheetah) on the carousel.

 Alaina's first ride on a carousel! She picked the elephant.

More hand holding. 

Luke also chose a cheetah. 

Martha and Alex the Flash rode a tiger. 

The whole crew (minus me) Alex, Madison, Alaina, and Harry with Luke and Martha bringing up the rear. 

Alaina wanted to see the elephants the most. 

There's an elephant! 

Madison, Alaina, and me at the elephants. 

Alaina and me at the elephants. 

Alaina was also pretty excited about seeing the giraffes and the zebras.

A lioness 

The king of the jungle

Overall we had a great day! The zoo was very busy but we kept everyone together and enjoyed seeing the animals.

Step Out: Walk to Cure Diabetes

Today, Harry and I participated in the Step Out: Walk to Cure Diabetes event in Charlotte. It was a 3 mile walk to raise money for the American Diabetes Association. We were able to raise money through donations (thanks everyone!!!) and we also promoted Insulindependence, the group that Harry is working hard to start in Charlotte. We made a lot of contacts with other diabetics and those who care for diabetics so we are hoping our next Dawn Phenom will have a lot more participation.

Harry and me working the Insulindependence table.
Harry got the new spiffy red hat AND his picture taken on the red carpet because he was a "red strider" (aka. a walker with diabetes).

Alaina got to spend the morning with Aunt Laura. They played with Play Dough, played games, and even went to the park. I think they both had a great time. Thanks, Laura!!