Christmas with the Griswolds

The Blossoms hosted a Christmas party before, lots of people came dressed up from the Christmas Vacation movie, there were some pretty funny characters. I tried to talk Will into it, but he wouldn't bite. The kids all had a blast. Laurie loved reading all their books and playing with Carlyle's dolls. Then we sang happy birthday to Jesus, I'm not sure, but I think you can just barely see Laurie's hair here. After she realized there were cupcakes on that table, that was all she was interested in doing.

Christmas Eve

We spent Christmas Eve with the Barbours. This night is always crazy and hectic and exciting, the thrill of all those presents is almost to much to take. While we waited on dinner, each grandchild opened one gift from Pop. The little girls received stick ponies, which was just perfect as they spent the night taking turns riding on this bouncy horse. Laurie is very intent on her galloping.

Pop's train set from Sherrie is a big hit with the kids. They couldn't stand not to touch it or step on it, the poor train required several repairs.

Anna Fair received lots of attention. It must be nice to be this adorable. I've decided she is going to be our little social butterfly, she loves being around lots of people. The more, the better.

While we waited on Santa to call to send us to bed, we read Twas the Night Before Christmas. The girls thought it was funny to see how fast they could read it. Laurie loves hearing about Ho Ho, Santa is more awesome on paper than in person.

Christmas Day

Anna Fair was sure to have us up extra early Christmas morning. It did give us time to have everything ready for Laurie. Daddy finally had to go in to wake her up. What wonderful fun to see her open her gifts with such joy. Next to Aunt Fair's for brunch and more gifting. It was chaotic, but great chaos, like being in a wrapping paper tornado! And finally we headed to Natchez to see my family. Bebe announced we needed to open gifts post haste! Laurie took one look at her Dora books and wanted to go no further. My favorite gift was the Dora doll Bebe gave with high hopes, only to have Laurie say it was not Dora and throw it to the side. I guess Dora does not translate well in to 3D.

How Many Leaves...

...does a bird bath need? A lot, if you ask Laurie. Yesterday was a pretty day, so we spent a good portion of it playing in the yard, harassing Josie, having a little fire in the firepit. Laurie generally likes to put leaves in the firepit, but as she knows not to go near it when it's in use, the bird bath next to it had to make do. Daddy was especially appreciative that Laurie used the leaves from his raked piles. I tried to talk her into sweeping the deck, but she wasn't falling for that one.

Elf on My Couch

Who needs an Elf on a Shelf, when I've got such a precious one on my couch?

Anna Fair's Smile

I am proud to say I have deciphered the video ability of the new camera. It takes very nice videos, but they are a little trickier to upload. Well worth it, I think. Especially if it means seeing this sweet smile in its full beauty.

Dalton Turns Two!

What fun to have Christmas birthday parties, fun for the kids and fun for the adults! Laurie played with all her little buddies and Anna Fair loved all the activity. Laurie knows what she likes, if it isn't pushing a cart, it's riding on Harper's Coupe.

















But we did take time out to destroy Harper's room and drink out of what looks to me to be a dog bowl.















The birthday boy was a little hesitant to blow out his candle, but he received lots of encouragement from the older kids so they could hurry to enjoy some cake.

More proof that Anna Fair was in attendance.

Christmas Fun, Part II

Friday night, we rode out to Winner's Circle Park to see the lights and visit with Santa. Laurie loved the lights and wailed in impatient misery to ride the train.

Poor Santa, you know that man is thinking he isn't paid enough to put up with this. Could Laurie's expression be any more downcast? What parent does this to their child?

And proof that Anna Fair and I were in attendance. She screamed the entire trip.

Christmas Came Early

Christmas came early to the Barbour house! Mommy has been complaining severely about our dying camera that no longer takes flash photos. I am still learning how to use it, the new camera takes much clearer videos than our old one did. But I haven't quite figured out how to play them back!

Christmas Lights

I love Christmas lights, it was always a highlight of the holidays to load into the car with my parents, a thermos of hot cocoa, and ride around town to see all the lights. We knew where all the best spots to hit were each year and where all our old favorites were. So, I want to enjoy it with our girls too. We piled into the minivan, with hot cocoa in hand, and cruised for lights. I heard from dear friend, Meredith, that a hot spot was on St Augustine in Madison, so we headed there. It did not disappoint, if you are out, I highly recommend it.

Christmas Fun

We took Laurie and Anna Fair to Christmas at the Ag Museum. With much sadness, our camera has bit the dust, so we have few pictures to show, and none with Santa. Though that is no loss, Laurie is not a fan. She did enjoy the breakfast and the cool mini train village, all lit up with Christmas lights. We talked to all the animals, got tattooed with a pretty blue snowflake (which took 4 days to wear off, I learned the alcohol trick to late), and did our favorite, held on for dear life on the carousel! Daddy said he and Laurie were cold, but Anna Fair and I were bundled up under many warms layers of coats and blankets and could not have been happier.

Snow in Our Town

We enjoyed the recent snowfall in Mississippi. The snow had all melted by midday, but we played in it in the early morning. Laurie thought it was pretty cool and came in sopping wet, but thoroughly happy. Josie wasn't so keen that Laurie had hidden each dog nugget in the snow.

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Laurie These Days

Life with our girl is always a thrill. We never know what new discovery she (and we) will make each day. It may be finding grapes in the utensil drawer, utensils in the trash can. Maybe a stack of clean dish towels sopping up water in the bath tub. Wads of grass in the dog's food bowl. Food stashed away in every nook, cranny, drawer, cabinet, and toy in our house. She is emotional and opinionated about all things, whether it is which shoes to wear for the day or what she wants to bring with her to bed for nap time. Laurie loves her baby sister and is quick to tell her, "Don't cry, baby, it's ok," then stick her fingers in baby's mouth.

Christmas Card

It was not surprising at all that it can be difficult to have both the 6 week old and the 22 month old performing well at exactly the same moment for just the perfect Christmas card shot. We took lots of photos and I think we ended up with quite a few really cute ones. Some funny, some odd, some not right to send out for public consumption. Laurie was quite pleased to hold Anna Fair, though Anna Fair was less pleased. Plus the added risk that she will dump Anna Fair to the floor at any second was quite thrilling.

Fashion Show

We have been super busy with the holidays, but never to busy to try on fun new clothes. A Special thank you to Bebe, Anna Laurie, Stella Gray, and Aunt Lala.
















Laurie was very interested in Anna Fair's bonnet.

Everyone has commented on Anna Fair's sweet curls. After bathtime, it is REALLY curly though. I can't wait to see how it grows in.

Getting Acquainted

Laurie and Anna Fair have been getting to know each other. Laurie was so thrilled to meet her baby sister. Perhaps a little too excited, she can sometimes be overzealous in her affection, but Anna Fair is quick to let her know it's time to back off.


I love the forth photo. Laurie has thoroughly enjoyed playing with all her old baby seats. I think sibling rivalry has already arrived.

Anna Fair cried all through her first bath, and just as a good big sister should, Laurie cried too.