We have never really celebrated the new year with our kids before.  But, Nathan was all into it this year.  When they get older you can't really hide things anymore.  We set the clocks ahead an hour, so I guess it wasn't a true "ring in".  They didn't know the difference.  We watched the ball drop in New York City, tooted our horns, and then it was off to bed at 11:15.  It was a fun night, but don't look forward to the day I actually have to stay up until 12:00.  I love my sleep!!!  Below are a few pics of our night.

My mom got them a gingerbread house to help pass the time. They really enjoyed this!

Nathan decorating

Mari Morgan decorating

Concenration

Grandma helps out

The finished product

We also spent some time with Pop and JoJo. We shot fireworks for only a little while. It was FREEZING! Then came inside and had hot chocolate.

Nathan and Mari Morgan smothered Pop with cover and pillows. Did I mention he is very claustrophobic?!!!

Mari Morgan and JoJo after fireworks outside.

Pop, Nathan, and Mari Morgan

We had the staff over for dinner at our house. We wanted to do something special for them, especially since Levi and Lindsey are leaving us. Brian grilled steak and chicken. It was yummy! We also had baked potatoes and salad. I slaved ALL day over 4 different types of bite-size cheesecakes. Just kidding, Sam's special. We enjoyed our dinner with a few outbursts from Nathan and David at the kid table. I broke out our fine china for the occasion. It was so neat to use it again, well, for maybe the second time ever. But, it was fun. After dinner we played a game that we've had ever since we've been married. We had never played it before. We literally blew the dust off of the box and opened it up. David read the directions and pretty soon we were playing. The game- Balderdash- a bluffing game- pretty good one for a church staff to be playing?! It was a blast. We had to make up definitions for words we had never heard of before. You should have heard some of the definitions. Christine won the game. We will definitely bring it to game night at Riverbend. We really enjoyed the night. David and Christine, we love and appreciate you more than you know. Thank you for using your talents to better His church. Levi and Lindsey, thank you for your service. We love you and can't wait to see the blessings God has in store for you.

Lindsey and me

King and Queen of Balderdash- David and Christine Fields

Levi and Lindsey- We will miss you!!

Silly!!!

We had a BIG Christmas!  We did "santa" with my parents Christmas morning.  They were so excited to have kids on Christmas morning again.  Then we traveled to Brian's parents' to have lunch and more presents.  The whole day was a lot of fun.  We are so very blessed!

The fam

Mari Morgan and me

Nathan and his favorite gift- Nintendo DS

Mari Morgan and her favorite gift- Felicity(American girl doll)and Patriot her foal

Nathan- Wonder what it is?

Mari Morgan and Felicity

Nathan and Mari Morgan.  

Nathan and his DS

We took a trip Monday and Tuesday to Hotsprings, AR to further celebrate our anniversary. It was great to just get away and enjoy "alone " time. We each had a spa treatment. Brian had a bath and a full body massage. I had a facial and full body massage. It was wonderful! I just wish I could have seen Brian in a bathrobe and slippers!!HA! We had full intentions to take some pictures downtown afterwards at the hotsprings and other places. But the plans were shot when I came out of my massage with my hair sticking out in every direction from a head/scalp massage with oil. Brian asked, "Are you ready to go take pictures?" Of course I was not about to take pictures like that and he knew it. I had to wash my hair like 3 or 4 times to get it out. But, it was worth it. Long story short, we didn't make it back downtown. I'm awful, but we have no pictures. Brian was glad I had the hair problem, so he wouldn't have to take any. It was too short but so thankful for the time together. Oh, I forgot to tell you that it was a surprise. My sweet husband got it all together. It was a great time!

Mari Morgan says,  "Mama, I don't think I can wait to open my presents."  She is so serious.  It's hilarious!

Waiting to open presents!

Today is our 11th wedding anniversary!  We went to Texas de Brazil to celebrate Thursday.  Jay and Amanda Lemonds went with us.  Jay's birthday was Thursday.  It was a lot of fun.  It was my first time to go and it was quite an experience.  Thanks to Mary Beth Potts for keeping our kids.  Our marriage only gets better.  Thank you God for such a wonderful husband.

Brian and Paige- 11 great years!

Nathan's second grade Christmas party was Friday.  It was a blast.  Mrs. Wood, Nathan's teacher, gave each student an ornament with their name.

Nathan with his ornament

Nathan and Dalton

Nathan and Mom