Christmas 2008

We celebrated Christmas early at our house this year. Jen and Ricky came up with Zoe and Wylie, Mike and Sarah joined us, and of course Doug and Joyce were here. Everyone contributed to the meal and it was pretty darn good. Garrett was blessed with so many great gifts that he kept saying, "I need to open more presents".
Christmas Eve, Doug and Joyce joined Chris, Amy, and Garrett at mass. Mike and Sarah came out for dinner. They all spent the night and were happy to see Garrett's reaction to what Santa brought him.
Christmas Day mom and dad went home, Mike and Sarah went to Maryland, and we went to Amber's house to celebrate with the McAulays.

Garrett's 3rd Birthday

On Sunday, December 21 we decided to combine both Gran and Garrett's birthday. We went to the Flying Biscuit for breakfast and then back to Gran and Pop's to open gifts. That evening we had Chris' family over to celebrate his birthday. Amy cooked and Garrett thoroughly enjoyed his presents. Then, on Monday, December 22 (his actual birthday) we had his Thomas-themed birthday party with all his friends. We seem to think he had a wonderful time.

The Polar Express

On Saturday we took Garrett to Bryson City to give him what we thought would be the coolest birthday present ever, a ride on the Polar Express. He loves choo choo trains and when we gave him the book last year we must have read it about a thousand times. Well, let's just say you won't see many pictures of him smiling because he really didn't want to. One could say he was in a mood of sorts (welcome to being 3). Chris thoroughly enjoyed himself and Santa Claus signed Garrett's book. Santa gave all the children a silver bell. It was a wonderful, interesting experience.

Gastonia Christmas Parade

Today Garrett and our neice, Camryn, were in the Gastonia Christmas Parade. They were invited to ride on the float with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Other than being extremely tired he did a great job. The most exciting part of the day? Getting to wear his "new outfit" which were new Christmas pajamas, new slippers, new long underwear, new gloves, a jingle bell, and an elf hat.

Blogging has commenced.

We are pleased to say that we have joined the blogspot crew. We are happy to share the latest news and pictures with you all to help keep us connected. So, let us start with the latest news.

Since August, Chris changed positions at work. After ten years on patrol he tansferred to being a detective with the department. This has been most intriguing and definitely challenges him in a new, but very good way than being on patrol. He has adjusted well and it sure does suit family life much better. Good-bye crazy 1st/3rd shift, hello regular work week (most of the time).

We received BIG news the Friday before Thanksgiving. Amy found out that she became a National Board Certified Teacher. This is pretty exciting stuff considering almost a years worth of work went into the process. Someone asked if she felt smarter. Her response, "Not smarter nor a better teacher. Just more comfortable in my paycheck".

Garrett is turning three in a few weeks. Hard to believe but he has developed quite the attitude for his age. And mommy is not happy about that. All in all he is still an awesome kid and we'll keep him a little while longer. We are very excited because next weekend we get to surprise him with his birthday present. We can't wait!

Jen and Amy in Charleston after finishing Race for the Cure.

Garrett was Peter Pan for Halloween. The biggest thrill? The sword daddy made.