Celebrating Christmas 2020

Christmas looks a lot different during a Pandemic. We, of course, didn't have as much of the usual festivities. Covid numbers started to rise around Thanksgiving and kept going up. While we weren't as concerned since Nana, Poppa and Garyn had all had it and recovered. We still wanted to be careful for everyone's sake. 

The final week before school was supposed to be out, you all went virtual. So Christmas Break ended up being 3 weeks. You all had some work to do online and packets, but basically more Monopoly and lazy days ensued!

Our first Christmas outing was to see a light show in Chattanooga with the Dalton's.

We have been able to get together with the Dalton's a few times since moving and always enjoy catching up!

Next, we were able to go see lights and have hot chocolate bombs with Nana, Poppa, Philip, Kadie, Emma, Bryson and Levi. 

Also, Nana and Poppa needed a Christmas tree that day. Poppa, dad, Philip and all the boy grandchildren went out in the woods to cut one. Garyn picked out this tree and it barely made it in the house! But it was a great tree!

Another night, we went to see these Bradley lights we kept hearing about in Cleveland. A residential house has all these lights in their yard. The lights flash and change with the music. Another fun night, seeing lights.

Day before Christmas Eve, we made cookies for Santa.

Another fun thing ya'll did this year was have a sleep over in our new bonus/play room. You all watched Star this first night. For the next 6 nights, you all slept in here. I loved seeing you excited to switch tents each night. 

To be continued.........

 

 Fall 2020 Pictures

Bonnie always does such a great job no matter what mood or setting we have. This photo session didn't disappoint!

I love my sweet boys face in this one. He has such a tender heart and yet is so steadfast in his opinions. He has no filter, letting you know just what he is thinking. We laugh often about how he will listen intently to a conversation and then drop a one liner that will have you rolling. He doesn't budge a bit when he delivers it either. Layne gives the best hugs to those he loves. He doesn't hug just anyone though. His affection is only for those he truly trusts and knows. He does talk a lot more to people even if he they aren't part of our usual circle of family and friends. 

Oh and I must mention how much Layne acts and looks like his daddy! They are definitely twins! Only difference is Layne's lighter hair and the fact he likes more foods than Tyler ever has!

And this one, he is tender hearted, too. But quiet and more reserved. He is growing so much and so fast. I have to stop every so often and just be with him cause I feel he is so independent and quiet. We are usually talking about sports or food when we go to and from school. Garyn loves to check ESPN and we are currently all apart of a Fantasy Football League. He manages my team for me.

Almost as tall as Tyler!

Our baby girl is growing up, too. I see this picture and cringe a little because she looks so grown and beautiful. She is a strong willed yet sweet girl who challenges me daily. She has opinions, wants and desires that sometimes go against what Tyler and I say. Imagine that! But man, she is my little shadow. We love to shop at Goodwill, play dress up, paint each other's nails, watch girly movies and decorate together. She will be a wonderful wife and mother one day!

Now here is the funny story of this session. Layne had spent the night at Nana and Poppa's the night before. We had a big dinner there before heading to meet Bonnie. On the way downtown, Layne fell asleep. We had gotten there earlier so let him sleep about 30 mins and then woke him up. He was ok but a little irritable. Well when he kept running off and not cooperating for pictures, Tyler said, "Boy, I'm gonna crush your skull if you don't get over here" Layne took that quite literal and this was what we got for that picture......

It was funny to everyone but Layne. I don't think we got many pictures of Layne after that because he was up under the bushes hiding from Tyler half the time. And in a cascade effect, Garyn was getting mad at Layne which got him in trouble and  he started to cry, too. But hey, like I said, Bonnie always gets the best of our craziness!

Somehow, we just laugh it off every time. The craziness will only last a little longer and then we will miss it!

Dollywood Fun

This past Spring we were able to get Dollywood season tickets at a discount. Knowing that we all love rides from going to Disney a lot, we were so excited to be able to enjoy the rides at Dollywood anytime we could!

Our first trip, we were given a grand tour by the Blazek family. They have season passes as well and are well versed in the attractions. They also have 4 girls for ours to enjoy the rides with! After that first day, we knew this would be a place we could come to enjoy each other and not have to travel far!

Since, we have been 3 more times. Garyn loves the Wild Eagle and Lightening Rod rides. Daddy rides those with him since Mommy just can't stomach them. Ansley loves the Fire Chaser, we all do really. Layne loves the water rides, unfortunately for us :). Layne also likes Blazing Fury. Thunder Head, Jump Line and Barnstormer are some others we like, too.