a year and a half and not happy about it.

This morning, Camp had his 18 month well check-up. Our little buddy has been extremely clingy lately, so he wasn't too happy about being prodded and touched…or pricked. 

He weighs 24 pounds, 2 ounces (48th percentile) and is 33 inches tall (66th percentile). His head circumference is 48.4 centimeters (74th percentile).

He is a bit behind on his speech development, but Dr. McAfee said that we don't need to seek therapy for three more months. Other than that, he is as healthy as can be and we are so thankful!

and to all a goodnight.

Merry Christmas to all! 

It was merry, indeed.

After opening up gifts from Santa we ate cinnamon rolls and headed back over to Shug and Pops for MORE presents.

The kids had the best day playing with all of their new toys and games. Ann Bennett especially loved her ride-on unicorn, roller skates, and Shopkins. Brooks especially loved his rollerblades, Beyblades, and bike. Camp was indifferent to it all, but his trampoline and 4-wheeler are growing on him. 

We ended our day with a special Christmas dinner made by yours truly. Oh, and taking down all of the Christmas decorations…

...AND TO ALL A GOODNIGHT!

the eve of christmas.

It's Christmas Eve! One of our favorite days of the year. We started our day off at Shug and Pops' exchanging gifts with Daddy's cousins, aunt, Nana and Papa. 

Afterwards, we dusted off the rolling pin and made Christmas cookies for Santa!

We ended the day with an array of appetizers for dinner, having Hannah, her boyfriend, and Josh over to hang out, putting cookies and milk out for Santa (and carrots for his reindeer), and reading the Nativity story. 

We are ready for you, Santa Claus and baby Jesus!!!

just call her tonya.

Brooks and Ann Bennett put together a Christmas bucket list this year and on that list was ice skating. So, this morning we bundled up and headed to Railroad Park for some family fun. 

Who knew our girl could skate?! We just may have found her sport. We couldn't tear Brooks away from the ice, either! 

Afterwards, we went to Jack Brown's for some (root) beer and burgers. It was such a beautiful and fun afternoon. 

I'm thankful that we have been able to slow down this Christmas season and spend quality time together. Today was just what my heart needed!

run, run, run, as fast as you can.

 Today, we decorated gingerbread houses. 

Icing was licked, candy was eaten, and fun was had by all.

I just love this tradition! 

be merry.

Last night, Mary Charles hosted our 2nd annual "Favorite Things" gift exchange and it was so much fun! 

We ate, drank, and were merry. I'm so thankful for this sweet group of friends!

six.

Brooks, how can you be six years old already?! 

You are gentle and kind. The best big brother anyone could ask for. You are patient and dedicated, smart and determined. You can achieve anything and everything that you put your heart and mind to. You have the biggest heart and it is made of pure gold. You are generous, love Jesus, and lead well. Oh, sweet buddy. You are all we hoped and prayed for and more. 

On the morning of your birthday, you woke up to hugs, kisses, gifts, a balloon, and six spankings. Mommy and Daddy brought you Chick-fil-A and strawberry cupcakes for lunch at school, per your request. 

That night, we went to the Japanese Steakhouse for dinner—it made it all the more sweeter to have Nannie, Pop Pop, and Uncle Drew in town to help you celebrate.

Yesterday, we went to Urban Air with your cousins and friend Henry to race cars. During our third lap, you put your hands over your mouth so we stopped and ran to the bathroom. Luckily, you didn't get sick, but you sure didn't feel good. We hated it for you, because you had been looking forward to this day for months. But, you didn't let a little nausea and having to sit out get you down. You had the best time regardless and that, John Brooks, sums you and your sweet spirit up completely. 

Thank you, Lord, for entrusting and blessing us with Brooks' sweet life and for six wonderful years with Him! Happy birthday, baby boy! We are so proud of you.