Santa Success

Last week we took our annual trip to visit Santa at Lenox. We were unsure how the children would react to jolly ole St. Nick, seeing that last year Jane was terrified and karate chopped poor Santa to bits while getting her picture made. What a delightful surprise that both Jane and Charlie loved Santa this year. Thank goodness! Adding to the fun was having both sets of grandparents with us!

Baby Jesus and the Angel

We had a fun Christmas event at our church a couple of weeks ago. Pastor Tom read the Christmas story while the children acted out the scenes. Our very own Charlie was baby Jesus and thankfully was a very good one (I feared we might have a whiny Jesus on our hands!). Jane was an angel and was in her element dancing to all of the Christmas carols. It was a sweet night and a wonderful way to celebrate the birth of our Savior!

Jane's Third Birthday

Our little Jane turned three on November 28...the day after turkey day this year. We started the day with birthday pancakes and presented the bday girl with a scooter...so excited! After a visit to the Pressley farm she was not exactly ready to party hardy. Pooped and worn out. Nevertheless, we had a small cupcake celebration at my parents. Happy Birthday sweet Jane! You are such a delight!

Thankful!

We spent Thanksgiving Day at Mimi and Pop's with Charles and the Perkins. The table was beautifully decorated and lots of good food was consumed (thanks, Jeff, for a great smoked turkey!)...so much to be thankful for this year!

Fall Fun

We love the fall! Just a few pictures of Jane and Charlie playing outside!

Football, Fun, Family!

Mitch, Granny, Dad and Cissy


Host with the most!


G.G. and Charlie

Happy Family!

Auburn Dudes

We went to my great-uncle Poge's house in Auburn for the annual AU/GA game. We always look forward to going to his house and visiting with my extended family. We have an agreement that whoever the "home" team is, our children will dress in that attire. A great time of fun, food and lots of laughter! Thanks for hosting, Uncle Poge!

The Kirk Baby Shower-

This past weekend the Wilder and Collins families hosted a baby shower for our friends, Suzi and Randy Kirk. It was such a fun time with friends as we celebrated "Jesse Fleetwood's" upcoming arrival in January. There is nothing more fun to celebrate than a baby!

A Trip to Virginia

Our Train Car Room


Jim and Barbara


Room With A View!

I recently had the chance to join Jeff as he traveled to Tennessee and up to Virginia, to visit his boss, Jim Davis. Jim and his wife, Barbara live in Konnarock, VA, on the most beautiful piece of property you have ever seen! Can you imagine waking up to this view? A piece of heaven on earth. Jim took us on the "Virginia Creeper Trail", which was 17 miles of beauty. It was so much fun, and "my kind of exercise", as we coasted on bikes the whole way down. We had a wonderful time. Thanks again, Jim and Barbara!

We also stayed on an old train car at the "Chatanooga Choo-Choo" in Chatanooga, TN. It was a neat experience!

Halloween 2008

Happy Halloween! The Winter Fairy has arrived! Jane finally donned her complete costume, in the comfort of her own home. Now, I have to brag on my wonderful and talented mother, who handmade Jane and Charlie's costumes this year. She is definitely THE most creative person I know and I'm sure spent many hours planning, measuring, sewing, glueing and glittering. They were made with love, that's for sure! Thanks mom!

We went to Grand and Big Pop's to trick-or-treat with our cousins and some of their friends. Jane did not feel like wearing her costume this time but nonetheless enjoyed going door-to-door for candy. Charlie was just along for the ride. Grand made delicious stew and pumpkin cake for us all. Check out my fabulous sister-in-laws in their costumes! What a fun night!

Halloween Parade!

This year's Halloween festivities kicked off at the annual Halloween Parade hosted by the Hunter and Phillips families. It was a beautiful day as loads of little ones paraded down Kennesaw Avenue in all their costumed glory. Our very own "Winter Fairy" was not exactly in the mood but eventually perked up thanks to a pack of skittles. Charlie the "Elf" was a good sport although his costume was not very masculine...I guess I can get away with it for now!

Happy Birthday Charlie!

Little Charlie turned one on the 17th! What a joy this year has been. We had our family over to celebrate with cake and ice cream. Charlie had a big time with the chocolate! Lots of fun was had as we celebrated our blessing. Happy Birthday!

Time flies when you're having fun!

Okay, I'm a blog slacker. I will try to get back on track. Here are a few fun pics from the past few weeks. My dad, who claims he loves washing dishes, has met his match. Jane has become quite the little dishwasher. Although I think she really just enjoys spraying water everywhere. She is the best helper unloading the dishwasher too! Let's hope her interest lasts. I cannot keep Charlie away from the dog food. Much of my day is spent tearing the little rascal away from it and popping it out of his mouth. I will never understand the fascination! Charlie has turned into wild man and I can hardly keep up with him. Jane and Charlie are doing their best in keeping this house united, not divided! Here's to a healthy respect for both teams. Life around here is fun, fun, fun!

Wedding Weekend

Mr. and Mrs. West


Hannah and Leah


My cousins!


Mom and her sisters


Granny Hardin and her kids

Last weekend I travelled to Tybee Island, GA, for my cousin Haley's wedding. It was a blast! My mom is one of seven children and most of her siblings attended, along with their families. It was a special treat for me to spend time with my cousins...lounging on the beach, laughing, collecting sand dollars, dancing at the wedding. A very sweet (and fun) celebration! Jane and Charlie stayed with Big Pop and Grand and then a night with Daddy. I think they survived just fine without me. Congrats to Haley and Chase!

Playdate!

Walker Sanders, David Hunter and Jane


Charlie and Livie Hunter

Last Thursday we were invited to the Sanders' home for a playdate. They have the most beautiful yard complete with a koi pond. The "big kids" had fun feeding the fish and were mesmerized by them (few things in life allow these three to sit this still)! Jane and Charlie had a blast with Walker, David and Livie. It looks like Livie and Charlie may have a little "thing" going! We had a great time, Catherine!!!

Week in a nutshell

Getting ready for school


A night out with Sheri, Kerri and Erin


Three generations of Collins!


Our family photo


Fun with cousins Emma and Pressley

The week has gone by without blogging...so I have some catching up to do. This was Jane's first week back at school...and despite the picture she was very excited about going. Her teachers are very sweet. I am thankful she has so much fun! Wednesday night I went out with the "cell group girls" for dinner at Capers in Kennesaw. If you have never been there I highly recommend it. Great atmosphere with wonderful food. These girls are very special! Friday night we went to dinner with our dear friends the Mosgovoys to celebrate Emily's birthday at C&S Seafood. Talk about delicious! Unfortunately I do not have a picture but we had a blast. Jane and Charlie went to Grand and Big Pop's for an evening of fun. Saturday we piled in the car and headed to Cartersville for the Collins Family Reunion. Despite the heat we had fun...it was at Jeff's great-aunts farm. Can you tell Jane does not like to get her picture taken when people are watching?! A great weekend topped off by Buford, UGA and AU victories. We are happy campers! So that is our week in a nutshell...