Our first snow

When we told the kids last year that we were moving to Virginia the kids top three things they were excited about were

1. SNOW

2. Mac and Bobbie

3. Ikea

Smart kids, and funny too! 

Well, this week we got our first dusting. You could "yahoo!" all over the house as Sawyer gathered gloves and a hat to play outside. Alice was at recess when the snow started and enjoyed it too. We're praying more come soon!

We celebrated Holmes' Christmas on 12/26 with lots of gifts, cousin time and sweet treats. Our second set of Atlanta days included Fan Fest and Tailgate for Alabama's bowl game, plus a day for the guys to play games and a girls' shopping trip.

The Holmes girls

Sawyer with Uncle Mark, Kingston and Poppy

It was great to see Grandaddy as king of Christmas while we celebrated together in Birmingham. He seemed be able to have fun even though we didn't have Mama. This summer, while Mama was still feeling well, we brainstormed ideas for gifts she could pick that Alice and Sawyer would remember for years while enjoying now. Sawyer got the White House Lego set since we live so close to DC and Alice got an engraved heart-shaped locket and jewelry box she adores. It's a sweet symbol of how Mama loved us well. 

Alice wants to move near her cousins every time we're together. Sawyer has fun too, even though he's the only boy sometimes! Sarah, Mary Beth and I cleaned out Mama's closet and drawers. It was a long day. I was glad we could do it together and laugh at the "teacher t-shirt" with puff paint apples, keep some things we can continue to enjoy, and let go of some things. 

ice cream at Bluff Park overlook

Christmas morning at home

Our first Christmas in Virginia began early at 6:09AM. I loved the pace of opening presents with Alice, Sawyer and Mark. They'd open something, read or play with or assemble it and then move on. I grew up in a flurry of wrapping paper and hurrying for the next person's turn. We loved it then but this felt even better! Books, Legos, Magic Track, walkie talkies, a new hammock, craft kit and more left the kids full of gratitude and delight. We continued our Christmas breakfast tradition before driving South to see our families. 

Happy Christmas 2016