The day after......

Santa brought Ally Harper a chalk board easel, and the first thing she tried to do was use it as a ladder. Where you're suppose to put the eraser and chalk, she tries to use that as a step :)

The family minus mom (the permanent photographer)

Ally Harper reading the book Brooklyn gave her by Osmosis!

Brooklyn checking out her stocking loot!

Christmas at The Martin's (Ally, Brooklyn, Gabby & Ethan)

Belated Merry Christmas! I hope you all had a great Christmas, I know we did. We got to see lots of family, eat lots of good food, and got lots on wonderful gifts. We are truly blessed to be as fortunate as we are. Ally Harper enjoyed her Christmas I think. She still doesn't really get the whole thing yet, but she did enjoy her toys after getting past all the wrapping paper! Brooklyn also had a really wonderful Christmas.

Celebrating 2008

A lot has happened over the past year, so I thought what a great time to reflect on some of my favorite memories of 2008! Here are a few things that happened!
Ally Harper celebrated her 1st birthday.

John Pitner became big brother to David Doss!

Brooklyn took Ally swimming for the first time.

Brooklyn completed 3rd grade with all A's once again! :)

Ally fell in love with spaghetti.

Ally enjoyed her 1st St. Patty's Parade downtown.

Brooklyn starred in her 7th dance recital.

We dressed up for Halloween as the cast of Charlotte's Web.

Brooklyn got a new hairstyle!

We vacationed in Washington DC.

We celebrated my 30th birthday with a boardgame tournament.

Ally loved her first visit with the Easter Bunny!

Santa Claus is coming to town...

After Brooklyn's Honor Choir program, we headed to the mall to see Santa. Would you believe that Ally Harper didn't even blink an eye when I sat her in Santa's lap! She is such a trooper. Even though she didn't ask Santa for anything, Brooklyn asked for enough for both of them :)

Also, here's a little funny, when you ask Ally Harper "What does Santa say?" her response is always the same, instead of "Ho, Ho, Ho" she says "Ha, Ha" and she also whispers it??? It's too cute!

Honor Choir

Brooklyn had her 1st Honor Choir concert last night at school. Honor Choir is composed of 4th and 5th graders who had to try out to be a member. Last week they visited a couple of nursing homes in the areas and then had their Christmas concert last night. They all did such a good job. Pictured is Brooklyn, Caameron and Shelby. Brooklyn took part in a trio and Cameron sang the solo.

Happy Birthday Magoo!

Just wanted to wish my sweet niece Gabby a wonderful 11th birthday. From birthday beauty to hunting hero.... this girl can do it all! ALSO, I would like to wish her mom Marla a wonderful birthday too. They share their special day with each other.

Christmas Party at Tico's

A little fun & a lot of cheer, Dirty Santa and friends so dear! We hosted our yearly Christmas Party at Tico's again this year and once again, we had a blast.

Most Memorable Moments of the night:

Michael trying to get rid of his "Axe Body Wash for Men" gift

James mistaken the snowman Christmas tree skirt for a poncho

James also mistaken the glass bird feeder for a bong!

Tyson's quick thinking to hid the inappropriate gift under the table

Laird volunteering to take the Carmen Electra Pole Dancing instructional videos home

(to keep Sandra & David's boys from getting them) Yeah right!

Sarah's new car getting broke into in Tico's parking lot

Chad inhaling my left over filet

and last but not least,

the reminiscing of the "Chest Bump heard 'round the world!"

Thanksgiving Family Fun at Granny's

For Thanksgiving, we all gathered at Granny's house in the country for lunch. That afternoon, after all the food wore off, the kids decided to take the go-cart out for a spin. How sweet are all the cousins waiting for their turn!