Sarah Walks

We were super excited to see Sarah begin walking on December 23 - it was the perfect Christmas present from her to us! Here is a neat video of Sarah being encouraged by her sweet big sisters, taken during the very hour that she was learning that she could do it. Enjoy!

December Miscellaneous

A variety of pictures from December


Visiting Santa at University Mall (Caroline was a little scared of him, I think)

Rachel drew a picture of a gingerbread girl, with the little old man & little old woman who created her. The caption says, in Rachel's own spelling, "Cach Me if you can!"
My mom brought some neat sticker nativity scenes one day -- this is Rachel placing the stickers on the scene.

Chillin with Daddy one morning during the holiday break
(I love Sarah's expression and stance in this picture!)

December Dinner with the Ruvos

We had our annual dinner in December with the Ruvos, with a slight twist on the usual tradition. This year, Santa was unable to make a personal appearance, but he was nice enough to leave a bag on the front porch, full of exciting presents for the girls, & complete with a kindly written note. Here are some pictures from the fun evening.

L-R: Laurel (3), Caroline, Gabi (8), Stella (13 mo.), Rachel, Sarah, Amelia (6)


Reading the note from Santa

Opening the sack


Happy Stella

Pageant Sleepover at Grandmommy's

Each year, my mom has a Christmas tradition of taking her grandkids that are age 3 or older to the Christmas pageant at her church, followed by a sleepover at her house. This year the group included Rachel, Maggie, Hutch, and Caroline. They had a fun time being together, doing a pageant of their own, and decorating holiday cookies.

Chapel Hill Holiday Parade

On Saturday morning, we had fun at the Chapel Hill Holiday Parade on Franklin Street.




Rachel's friend Ella and her dad Patrick


The Carrboro High School marching band
Santa Claus with Miss Teen NC

Thanksgiving in New Bern

We had a great time celebrating Thanksgiving in New Bern with Brian's parents. Also in town for the festivities were Mark, Miriam, & Neils, as well as Aunt Doris, Uncle Jim, and Nathan.

Playing in the fall leaves





Aunt Doris with Rachel & Caroline
Coloring with Neils
Nathan & Hal playing Candyland with the girls
Nathan and Uncle Jim
Visiting FORT MACON in Atlantic Beach

This is a panorama picture that I made in photoshop from 4 individual photos -- it's not perfect, but it's pretty neat to get the wider view! Click on it to see it larger on your screen --

Hockey Game for Hutch & Rachel's birthdays

Brian and Rachel took Allen and Hutch to a Hurricanes Game to celebrate Hutch & Rachel's November birthdays. It was Hutch's first time at a hockey game, and he loved it! There was plenty of action to enjoy from their front row seats, and one of the referees even gave them each a game puck -- which made for great souvenirs (and happy little spectators)!

Rachel's Birthday Party at the Bowling Alley

This year, Rachel decided to have her birthday party at the bowling alley -- and fun was had by all! It was hilarious seeing that many little kids bowling -- but they did great! (with bumpers in the gutters of course!). Here are some pictures from the big event!

Uncle Robert helps Hutch & Rachel choose the right size ball

Rachel's friends Ella and Bella
Cousin Tucker

Andy Ruvo helping Amelia and Laurel with their bowling skills

Amelia Ruvo and Isabel Smith
Cousin Nelson wants to be part of the action, too!
In the party room for lunch & cake