cheeeeeese

I had almost forgotten to show you the rat we found in Gammy's kitchen...

It is a known fact that Owen loves cheese.

 So much that he took it upon himself to grab the whole block and go to town.

It's a good thing Gammy loves this little critter.

Christmas Day

We woke up at Meme's house Christmas morning, and Santa had found his way there to leave Owen some gifts.

Santa brought Owen his very own chair to climb, sit on and read books in. He also gave him a race car track, book and puzzle.

 Owen made some gifts for special people in his life.

birdseed ornaments to hang outside

After gifts Christmas morning, David and I had the pleasure of going to church and celebrating Jesus's birthday with his family and church friends. It was very special to go to church on Christmas day for the first time and sing songs and fellowship with others on Christ's birthday. 

After church, we headed over to Gammy's for lunch and family time at her house.

 We were so happy Uncle Dock was home with us this year.

It is always a fun time at Gammy's. Tom and Riley always come over Christmas Day, as well as John, Annette, Caroline, Matt and of course Meme and Dock and Gammy and Papa.

 Gammy gave him a Little People Noah's Ark set

equipped with all the animals...2 of each of course.

 with my beautiful cousin, Caroline

and my handsome husband

Our cousin Riley treated us with his piano playing....classic hymns, Christmas songs and even a little boogie woogie.

We were beyond blessed by the generosity of our family, but our favorite part of Christmas truly is just being together.

why i love the beach.

Ever since I was a little girl, we have vacationed at the beach with Gammy and Papa. We have stayed at different condos and houses ranging from Navarre, Gulf Shores, Panama City and several on 30A. The place never matters...it is the time shared together that we remember.

(Owen snuggled up in "beach blanket"...it has magical powers and allows the best napping)

Papa always reads a stack of books, Gammy takes care of everyone and makes sure we have plenty to eat, we hear some old stories, snuggle with the "beach blanket", play scrabble, eat til we can't eat anymore, and play hard on the beach.

the beach...it is where pure joy happens.

you see God's beauty shine through so clearly in the sunlight, sparkling water, rolling waves...

It reminds you of what is important

who is important

the people you love

the time shared together.

Even if that meant sharing a cold with everyone at the beach, I think everyone would say it was worth it.

The joy the beach brings is priceless to our family.

So glad Owen now knows why I love the beach.