Our family schedules were all a little crazy this Christmas season so we weren't able to get together as one big happy family. My brother, Justin and his family were in middle TN for Christmas so it worked out for them along with my parents to come up and spend the day of Christmas Eve with us!
It was a little crazy in our small house (with an old dog and a new puppy and 2 little kids) but it was so much fun being with family and we're so glad they made the effort to come see us. Thanks guys - we love you!
Nonie & Pops playing Santa
Julianna loves her gift
Uncle Matthew & Reese. She's not too scared of him here!!!
Guns became the topic of discussion in our home that day!
Mandy was demonstrating how to use the wand without getting burned
Reese's turn
Think she's seen this before??? She's all girl - so cute!
It's been fun adding a new puppy to our home. Maggie just turned 11 so we definitely have the different ends of the spectrum. We forgot how much it's like having a newborn in the house with a puppy. But the kids are doing a great job with helping with her and we're already house training her with the bell at the back door. Gotta share just some of the pictures since we've gotten Holly
Most of my readers know we have a dachshund Maggie - she turns 11 in January. She's been such a good dog for us over the years, but the kids have always wanted a new puppy. Of course we've said no - we're too busy as it is. How can we possibly add another responsibility to our insane lives and schedule??
Well, somehow, the subject came up as we were discussing Christmas gifts and without giving you all the gory details, we decided to get a puppy for the kids for Christmas. The breeder held on to her until Christmas Eve for us. It was SOOOO hard not to let on in any way, but we knew that there was NO WAY they'd have any idea we would get one.
So Christmas Eve morning, after I returned home from my Cookie Swap, Matthew went and got her and brought her to the kids. Below is one of the funnest videos ever (to us at least). We've watched it 100 times. Matthew had called the kids into the den and of course the first thought is that they're in trouble!! Then when he returns, he asked if Rebecca was there (who was "hiding" behind the Christmas tree) so you can hear me saying something about it IS Rebecca that's in trouble at the beginning of the video. I'm so glad we captured this. It's a hoot!!!
So now that you've seen that, I can tell you that Holly Lulu Warren joined our family on December 24th, 2012. She was born in October and was about 12 weeks old (I think). She's a miniature dachshund also and although she looks solid black, she's actually an extremely dark dark brown. You can really tell when she's up next to Maggie, who is indeed black. Needless to say, this made for a fun and exciting Christmas break!
Julianna with the puppy - look at that smile!
Isn't she tiny?
My turn to hold her
Look at both of their big eyes. I think Holly was still in shock
Christian & Julianna
Rebecca had just received this blanket as a gift from her friend Morgan and Holly loved it.
Both dogs
Settling in
Maggie didn't care about Holly - she just wanted to be on the soft blanket too
After Grandmother's Funeral, Grumps & Gigi came to the lake house where we were staying and we had our own little Christmas with them. Of course the kids loved it and had a great time opening gifts. Here are a few pictures of the evening
Christian looks thrilled with his Food Saver.....but I'm sure he was a bit nervous...
Okay - so it was an entire box of just the red ICE drinks that they love so much!!! He loved it, Gigi
Rebecca got a beautiful Vera Bradley Backpack that she'd wanted
Duck Dynasty Season One - she's a big fan!!!
Christian got the latest and greatest ipod touch!!!
And a cool Flat bill Georgia Tech hat
Rebecca got a rolling case for her new keyboard which she really needed and was so glad to get! Unfortunately, all those gifts...mostly for Julianna!!!
Julianna got a ton of cute clothes from them. Rather than posting all of the pictures of her open-mouthed and holding them up, I will post this because it's so cute!!! Thanks Grumps & Gigi
