Christmas 2011

Bunch of old friends- sorority sisters since 1994!

The survivors that help with deliver the meals to the children still fighting in the hospital over Christmas.

Christmas Eve- Casey reading a reindeer story while waiting for church.

Emily in church waiting to sing in the choir during Christmas Eve Mass.

Anna and Casey as angels during the nativity scene.

Daddy reading 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.

Santa came! Heading down the stairs.

Who is going to clean up this mess?

Now that's what I call a Christmas Dinner!!

Taking advantage of the beautiful weather at Railroad Park today in Birmingham.

We had so many activities packed into just a couple of days, that I spread the pics out to reach today. Overall we had a great Christmas!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

The crazy elves were up to no good...

Ho, Ho, Ho. Casey Clause.

She did it! Has never sat on Santa's lap before. She would talk big, but when the time came she would chicken out.

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What Christmas cookies look like when decorated by preschoolers.

My dad's Grandma Winnie gave him this nativity set when he received his first communion in 2nd grade.

Casey helping me make banana bread for the big girls' teachers during their last full day of school.

I love adding handmade ornaments from the kids to my tree!

Merry Christmas!

Last full week of school!

One more from the Nutcracker- Anna, Emily, and Harper backstage with the Sugar Plum Fairy!

A real man makes school lunches for his kids.. AND cuts off the crusts. (I don't even do that)

Casey got "reindeer food" today at school- she was supposed to put it out Christmas Eve but just couldn't wait. Here she is showing me where she put it in the grass.

The week

Our snow village..

Ryan and Anna practice reading together every night.

Emily reading to her sisters...

Anna's kindergarten teacher cut her hair for locks of love in the classroom! She invited Emily and I to be present.

The best place in the house.

Anxiously waiting for the Nutcracker to start. BEAUTIFUL performance.

We are really enjoying getting ready for Christmas!

December!!

Apparently the elves got into a snowball fight- they made a mess but at least they brought the girls some hot chocolate to warm them up before leaving for school on a cold morning!

I guess Aaron the elf hit one of the other elves right on target.

Our neighborhood tree and clock tower.

The girls at the neighborhood tree lighting. Have I mentioned how much we love our neighborhood?

Emily and Isabella celebrating their birthdays together.

Our tree! It's so big I could barely fit it into my frame!

Can't believe it's already December! In the last few days our elves came, we went to our neighborhood tree-lighting, and we completed all of our Christmas decorating which is no small feat.

Colder Weather

Casey's reaction when we told her it might snow that night.

No snow on the ground, but a few flakes flying that she can see!

Went upstairs to take a pic of Anna sleeping, but all I can see is her hair- the rest of her is under the blanket not being illuminated at all by her nightlight- hence the grainy, difficult to see picture!

Thanksgiving Week/Emily's Birthday

Amanda Knerr Photography at a holiday vendor show! Visit amandaknerrphotography.com!

Sleepover at the hotel with their AG dolls..

The girls, their dolls, and their dolls new hairdos, ear piercings, and outfits. Cha-ching.

Two amazing chicks... Emily, ovarian cancer survivor, and Summer, AML survivor... spending their Thanksgiving morning giving HOPE to the families at Children's Hospital.

Wrigley having HOPE she will get a taste of that delicious fried turkey!

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This is how we roll.. according to the Horne's on Iron Bowl Day! Roll Tide!!

Happy 9th Birthday, Emily!!!

Thanksgiving week is always packed for us because it is also Emily's birthday week, with her birthday falling on the 27th of November. This year we didn't have a party, but instead went to Atlanta for a girls' trip to the American Girl store complete with a sleepover at a hotel nearby the store! They had a great time. Thanksgiving was full of fun as well, with the morning being spent at Children's Hospital feeding families and staff Thanksgiving dinner, then family time at home. Of course, the rest of the weekend was ruled by football, football, and more football- except for blowing out the candles tonight for E's birthday!

Creativity

I love that Emily always entertains herself by being creative. Here she is making bracelets.

Un-motivated.

The last two weeks have been so busy and eventful that I have had photographer's block with my own family! Throw in an overnight stay at the hospital for me, and I have gotten really behind. I know I will look back at these photos and wish I had taken the time to be more creative and thoughtful when taking them, but oh well, that's life! I am now re-motivated and have some exciting, fun days coming up!

Self-portrait of Anna on my iphone.

Portrait of Anna's American Girl on my iphone- pretty impressed with her composition- she even used the rule of thirds!

The fall school craft projects have started rolling in. Here is Casey's Thankful Candle.

Casey being silly.

Fun at the park!

Anna's apple turkey.

More fun at the park with Anna's friend Harper.

He is going to kill me for this one- but it is a daily chore when you've got a golden retriever!!

Casey watching big sister in ballet.

Trying to keep Casey busy today while I "rest".