closing out the year at the beach.

We spent the past few days at the beach with John's family. It was the most relaxing and fun quality time we have had in a long while. It was just what each of us needed.

Feeling so refreshed and ready to take on 2018!

best nine.

Instagram's Best Nine. 2017, you were good to us!

the merriest.

Santa came! Merriest Christmas!

call it a night.

Yesterday afternoon we went to church for Highlands Christmas and followed the candlelight service with dinner at Macaroni Grill. 

Today we did all of the Christmas Eve things, like baking cookies for Santa, watching Christmas movies, and napping by the fire. We even went to a party hosted by the Jesters before bedtime and closed out the night with reading the Nativity story and putting out cookies and milk for santa and carrots for the reindeer.

Santa's elves are about to watch Christmas Vacation, then call it a night!

christmas at the alabama theatre.

John and I surprised Brooks and Ann Bennett with a special date at the Alabama Theatre to see The Muppets Christmas Carol. 

They ate cookies, popcorn, and sipped on hot chocolate. We had so much fun singing carols and watching the movie. I have no doubt we will make this an annual tradition!

all is calm.

All is calm...

As in, nobody is whining, crying, fighting, pushing or pulling. It's a Christmas miracle.

santa baby.

With only 4 days left until Christmas, I figured today was the last a good day to take the kiddos to see Santa Claus. I loaded all three up on my own and headed to the Summit to see the jolly old fellow. 

Brooks asked him for a remote control car, Ann Bennett asked him for a light-up mermaid, and Camp made sure his beard was real. No tears = success! 

'tis the season.

Last night I attended my third Christmas Party in four days (John's second). To say that we are exhausted is an understatement, BUT we sure am thankful for the time spent together and and with our friends. 

'Tis the Season!

be merry.

pedal to the medal.

Brooks had three requests for his birthday party this year: he wanted a race car party, a cookie cake, and wanted to invite all of his classmates and soccer teammates. So, yesterday we celebrated our favorite five year old with the sweetest friends and family, race car style. The kids had fun painting wooden race cars, munching on snacks and sipping on hot chocolate, playing in the photo booth, and running around outside. It was our most laid-back birthday party, yet, but Brooks didn't seem to mind. He had a blast and felt so loved!

Happy Birthday, Brooks!