New Year's Eve

Happy New Year's Eve! We hope you had a wonderful day. Ours was nice. We went to church this morning, ate lunch with our friends Nate and Julie (and their boys, Caleb and Noah), took naps, went for a 2+ mile walk/jog, had dinner, put Carlee Scott to bed, and now we're relaxing!

Carlee Scott has adjusted well to being back home after our big trip to Virginia. She definitely missed her crib and especially missed the pups. She has enjoyed being back at school, and she has also enjoyed playing with new toys she received from family and friends for Christmas. She learned to say "wow!" during our trip, and just today, Will taught her to say "boom boom!" It's funny because the first "boom" will be rather quiet and then the second one comes with force - "BOOM!" She continues to dance all the time. During a walk yesterday, she heard music coming from a neighbor's garage and she sat up in her stroller and began grooving - it was hilarious, especially since the music was Techno. Even at lunch today, she danced in her chair while eating her meal.

Carlee Scott has decided recently that she does not like any vegetable, much to my dismay. Didn't I just post about her good eating habits? She has also decided that she doesn't like beef or pork, only chicken at the moment. Her current favorite foods are chicken, any fruit (dried or fresh), any bread, and cheese. Not bad, but I sure wish she'd get back on the vegetable train! I am told that children change their food preferences several times, so I am hopeful.

We have the day off tomorrow and plan to take down the Christmas tree, go to a birthday party, and clean out the garage. Will's I-Term (Baptist Identity) begins on Tuesday and ends Friday. He's been busy doing several reading assignments to prepare for the class. He begins his fourth semester on the 9th. His classes will include Life and Work of a Pastor, Hebrew, Text and Traditions 3, and Scriptures 4. This should be a tough semester, but he is looking forward to the challenge.

Here are some photos from our day. Have a great New Year's Eve!!

Portrait

While in Richmond, the Alley/McPherson clan had professional pictures taken at The Picture People. They turned out great! Please ignore the poor quality of my scanner...

Ho-Ho-Ho

We had a great time in Virginia! Here are some photos from Christmas day.

More Pics From Richmond

We are still having a wonderful time in Richmond. From a family portrait yesterday to a holiday Open House with friends last night to church this morning, it's been a great time. We are looking forward to the Christmas Eve service late tonight and of course Christmas tomorrow!!

Great Grandma Alley and Carlee Scott

Great Aunt Pat playing with Carlee Scott

Uncle Andy and Aunt Catherine are so fun to play with!

Who looks more thrilled? Uncle John or Carlee Scott?

Home For The Holidays

We are having a great time in Richmond! It's nice being with family during this special time of year. Merry Christmas!

Great Granny, Mimi, Carlee Scott, and Papa

Giggles at dinner.

Carlee Scott with Mommy and Daddy at the outdoor mall.
All bundled up! It's cold outside!

Playing In The Leaves

Carlee Scott had fun playing in the leaves today!

Girls Night Out

Top Row: Laura, Stacie, Wendy

Bottom Row: Julie, me, Shellie, Angi

Sick Little One

Carlee Scott hasn't been feeling well the past few days. She's had a fever since yesterday morning. I took her to the doctor and her throat and ears were fine. Maybe it's just teething? She stayed home from school today and although the fever still exists, she seems to feel a little bit better.

Bless her heart. Look at that face.

Feeling better.

Playing in the leaves.

Yay - Daddy's home!

Santa Claus is Coming to Town!

We went to see Santa today at the mall! It was so much fun. Carlee Scott did NOT like him at first and shed some tears. After about ten minutes, she warmed up.

I'm so excited. I get to meet Santa today!

Okay, whoaaaaaaa, no one told me he looked this scary.

Um, please move your hand away. You're freaking me out.

Aw, there we go!! Sitting on Santa's lap and even smiling (behind the paper and blankie).

This isn't so bad at all. He's really comfy. Mom, Dad, can I nap here?

Celebrating my big day with Chic-Fil-A at the Food Court!

Well done!! (Clapping for the middle school jazz band that was playing for us.)

Peppermint

As if Carlee Scott's artwork wasn't cute enough, the paint actually smells like peppermint!

Advent

I love Advent, don't you? The excitement and anticipation of it all - I just love it. Over the past couple of years, we have not truly celebrated this part of the season due to a new move one year and new baby the next. This year, we decided to make it a priority and also start a new tradition with the Jesse Tree. For more info on the Jesse Tree, see Will's blog.

Cute Tree

Carlee Scott made this tree last night in Kingdom Kids (at church) and we thought it was just the cutest little thing. Since we don't have a star or angel for the top of our tree, we figured out a way to make this piece of construction paper our "star." It's resting on top of two tree limbs and looks adorable! Merry Christmas!