December Catch-Up

Over the holidays I got very behind with my blogging. So this will be my attempt at a brief catch-up. Well, it's not too brief, but be patient, it's worth it.

Family Gathering

Every December some of our closest friends all get together for what we call our "family gathering". We let the kids draw names to buy gifts for each other, and then we get together for dinner and a time of fellowship. At the end of the evening, all of the kids get into their pajamas and swap their gifts. It feels like Christmas morning. It is such a special time. This year, we also did a scavenger hunt involving the different parts of the nativity. It was such a fun evening. We have been doing this for years, and we look forward to many more years to come. This is one of my family's favorite traditions with our "family".

Davis's Preschool Christmas Program

This was Davis's first preschool program. He had a solo that he was so proud of (and so were we). It was "Dashing through the snow, in a one horse open sleigh."

SEC Championship
The day of the SEC championship, we all went down with Noah's family to tailgate next to the Dome. We didn't have tickets, but we spent the day tailgating and getting ready to watch the game. Noah had a TV set up to watch the game that evening. I ended up leaving with the boys shortly after the game started because they had been there so long (and it was freezing). Parker insisted we watch the rest of the game as soon as we got home. We won! Go Gators!

The boys' yelling "GO GATORS" to other fans passing by. I love this picture.
Noah and Parker watching the game together. Too sweet!
"GO....GO....GO..."
"Touchdown!!!"So sleepy after a long day!
A Visit with Santa
In the middle of December, Noah's new company invited Santa to come to the office to see all of the kids of the employees. Here are some pictures of the boys visiting with him. Davis talked his ear off (not too shocking). After the kids had all seen Santa, he read a Christmas book to all of the kids. It was really neat!



Emerson was not too sure about Santa.

This is a video of the boys with Santa. Davis wouldn't quit talking.

The Ryan Family Christmas Weekend

For the last 2 years, the Ryan family all got together at Grandma and Grandad's house for the Friday night and Saturday before Christmas. All three brothers and their families were there totaling 8 adults and 7 kiddos. We woke up Saturday morning and had Grandad's yummy homemade waffles, then opened presents. We all had a great time!

Courtney and Saylor

Davis....Hulk Smash. Pretty scary...and dangerous!

Emerson with Uncle Greg and Aunt Carrie

Saylor

Cousins!
Other Pictures from December

Parker's Christmas party at school. Parker and his Kindergarten teacher. Davis's class at the class Christmas party (minus his best friend Ethan) Davis at his party.

The boys watching Charlie Brown's Christmas with Gamma

Who is the cutest reindeer you have ever seen? Emerson loved the Little People Nativity set! I was trying to get them to pose in their Christmas pajamas, and they thought that the best picture would be with the Batman Castle, the Castle, and Gorilla Mountain in front of them. Only boys!

Whew! You made it through. Stayed tuned to pictures of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.