Arnold's 50th Anniversary!

Our last travels for the holidays took us to Kansas City to celebrate the Arnold's 50th wedding anniversary. We had a big family picture taken during the summer for them and took them to dinner. They insisted they didn't want a big party, so hopefully, we gave them what they wanted--family. We had a very nice day and evening. George & Dorris, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY and many more to come!

Christmas at the Taggart's

We spent the 26th & 27th at Mom and Dad's celebrating Christmas with them and the Wilson's (my sister and family). Katie & Brian (bottom right) couldn't be there, but we wanted them to know we were thinking of them! They flew off to Denver for a wedding and some skiing. Hope the bears don't get Katie!! Cherish (Josh's finace--sp??) was there to experience the big gift exchange (we all seem to know what we're getting each year!). That will all change next year!!

December 26th--Jack Day!!

Jackson came to be with us the day after Christmas! We baked cookies, put together a ginger bread house, fed the birds, played vet with his new pet care center, performed experiments with his new scientist kit, played with Noel, played Jenga---Whew! 6 year olds are full of energy!! The last two pictures are Ashley and Jack's traditional "good" and "silly" pictures! They're both really good at the silly one! John and Ann got a little shopping in that day (and hopefully a little rest) and then joined us for dinner that evening. What a great day!

Christmas Eve & Christmas Morning

Christmas Eve the girls usually open one gift--their Christmas PJ's! Ashley got to open hers (bottom right) after the Christmas Eve service at church since she was the only one with us on Christmas Eve. On Christmas morning, she got her Santa gift (top right) and Noel got her stocking. We actually woke up to watch Noel, because I really thought she would have a heart attack guarding that stocking all day!! We opened the rest of the gifts when Katie & Brian and George & Dorris (Mick's Mom & Dad) got there. We had a big turkey dinner that night!

Ashley's Apartment

Ashley decorated her apartment this year. Mick and I stopped by for a look at the tree and to get a few pictures. I think this is the first year Ashley and Katie have put up trees since leaving home. Mick thought it was just horrible that they didn't have Christmas trees up. This year he was happy with his girls!

Christmas Decorations--love them!

I think we spent THREE DAYS decorating the house this year. For those who didn't know, Mick is a HUGE Christmas decorating nut. If he's not shopping for ornaments or fun decorations before and immediately after Christmas, then he's on ebay looking for goodies! He does love his Christmas. Especially when both girls are here!

Merry Christmas!!

Our Sunday School had their Christmas party Saturday evening. We had a progressive dinner. It started at the Bartley's with a fabulous salad. We were then on to Betty Comstock's where Dana and Toy served up delicious lasagna, green beans, and Texas toast. The end of the road was at our house where we had dessert. Then the gift-giving began!! A couple of us were able to get some unwanted items out of our garage--yahoo! Those crazy boxers with HO HO HO across the back showed up again--imagine that!! Jack/Jake didn't hesitate to model his gift. Charles was our model last year. Who will it be next year, and how worn out are those poor boxers going to be???? Stay tuned to Christmas 2008!!

Yummy Thanksgiving!

We went to Mom and Dad's for Thanksgiving. Everyone was there--Mom, Dad, Sara, Jeff, Josh, Chris, Katie, Brian, Ashley, Mick, and me--oh, and Noel. We'll be welcoming Cherish (sp??) next year!! Mom assigned everyone--nearly everyone--a job. Katie baked the chocolate pie this year--nice job! Ashley made the dumplings--fabulous! We went back to our house Friday to decorate the tree. Brian's folks and sister were able to join us Saturday morning for brunch before Katie and Brian headed back to Nashville. The meal was yummy, as usual, and the company was the best. Can't wait now for Christmas!!