He's back....

Henry (Our Elf on the Shelf) made his grand appearance the weekend of Thanksgiving.

While the kids were spending quality time with Nana & Granddaddy - Josh and I got all the Christmas decorations up. We decided it would be easier to do without the kids this year. Though, we didn't want Carter to feel like he missed out - so, we got him his very own small Christmas tree to decorate as he sees fit... it is proudly standing in the kids play room. Pictures to follow.

We are having so much fun with Henry this year! He has indeed helped with behavior around here, though, it didn't need much help - our little man has his moments, but all in all he is a good kid. It is so much fun scouring the house for him every morning. Remembering to hide him every night is a bit tricky!! The fact that Carter actually believes that Henry leaves every night to head to the North Pole to report to Santa and comes back is proof of just how much fun Christmas is with a kid!

Sunday!!

Mommy and Daddy,

It has been a great week with Carter and Kenzie, we really enjoy having them visit with us. I hope the attached pictures will explain what we did on Sunday because it is 9:00 P.M. and poor old Granddaddy is just to tired to type anymore.

See you Monday.

Granddaddy

Movie and bottle time!

Looking at the Christmas decorations.

Kenzie wrestling w/ Granddaddy!

Kenzie cooking.

Kenzie biting her spoon.

Checking out the fishing conditions.

Carter fishing... again!

Carter and Kitty.

Saturday, November 27th.

Mommy and Daddy,

We had another fun day at the Lake. We took advantage of the pretty weather and did some things outside. We went for our daily stroller ride and Carter and I went fishing. While we didn't catch any fish, we did enjoy our quality "men" time together. In Carter's words, " it is for the men only, no women on the boat". Kenzie and Nana stayed home and played. Nana and Carter made caramel apples, "yummy". We ended our day with all of us having movie night in the media room. Carter adjusted his electronic chair about 20 times and Kenzie occupied herself exploring every square inch of the room. Ah, life with our babies is good!!!

Granddaddy

Friday!

Mommy and Daddy,

It rained Friday morning so we spent most of the day playing inside. Carter and I cheered the Mountaineers to victory. Around 5:30 we dressed the kids in their PJ's and loaded them in the car to go to Saluda Park Christmas Light Festival. It is a fantastic Christmas light display that you drive thru. We picked up supper to eat as we enjoyed the displays. Auntie Ramie joined us and we had a great evening. Carter was excited and in awe. Seeing Christmas through the eyes of a child really gets you in the holiday spirit!!! (The pictures do not do it justice.)

Granddaddy

Thursday, November 25th

Mommy and Daddy,

We had a good Thanksgiving at the Lake. We ate lots of good food and had fun playing in the house in the morning. Kenzie practiced standing up a lot. She will be walking soon. Carter and I made a dinosaur trap and pretended that Boomer (the cat) was a T-Rex. We caught him twice. He fell for the old turkey under the box trick. In the afternoon, we took a boat ride and did some more fishing. Carter wants to fish every time we go out on the boat. Today he caught some whities and hooked a big striper but it broke his line before we could get it in the boat.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Granddaddy

Playing together.

Pants on backwards.... silly boy!

Kenzie pushing her toy!

Mackenzie playing music.

Kenzie looking out the window.

Dinosaur trap!

Carter's new flashlight.

November 24th, 2010

Mommy and Daddy,

We went to Chuck E Cheese today. Carter is growing up fast, Nana and I noticed that his taste in games has changed. This time he went for the football, basketball and baseball activities. Kenzie seemed to be feeling much better. Her ear problem has not hurt her appetite. The girl sure can eat. She enjoyed the show both on stage and the one her brother put on....she is fascinated by everything he does. It was a fun day for all!!!!

Granddaddy

Watching the show.

Playing football!

Kenzie watching Carter.

Kenzie eating!

She didn't like the ride.

Checking out the game!

Carter playing a game.

November 22nd & 23rd

Mommy and Daddy,

Monday and Tuesday were fun days at the lake. The weather was really nice for late November. We took two boat rides, fished a bunch and took stroller rides in the A.M. and P.M. We also found time to play with our toys and made some "egg pie" in the new play kitchen.

Kenzie made a new friend, she met Dr. Bonnett at Chapin Pediatric. She developed an ear infection in both ears over the holidays. Dr. Bonnett gave her some medicine and she is back to her bubbly self.

Granddaddy

Making egg pie!

Love my big brother.

Good kitty.

First Mate!

Checking out the pontoon!

Carter's fish...

Carter eating his fish!

My in-laws!

Don't worry Nana & Granddaddy you can read on....

This posted it dedicated to my wonderful in-laws Mike & Marsha. A simple praise to let everyone know just how lucky we are to have you in our lives. Not only are Josh and I lucky enough to have you as our parents to guide us through the good times and the hard ones. We are fortunate to have you wiling and able to take the kids for days and even weeks at a time - allowing Josh and I to have some quality time with each other has husband and wife. Yes, those days without the kids are hard and even lonely as they are our babies. However, Carter & Mackenzie are lucky too. These memories they are making while they are with you will be ones they will share with their children. We never forget the love we have for our grandparents.





Thank you... for the bottom of my heart. You guys are awesome. Love, Melissa

Thanksgiving w/ The Lipscombs!

In 2008 we started the tradition of heading to the lake the weekend before Thanksgiving... joined by all of the crazy Lipscomb's! Last year we decided rather than making every last morsel of food - we would have it catered. What a wise one my mother-in-law is. Publix makes fantastic sides and saves us a lot of time wasted in the kitchen. Of course we always make our favorites, those that we know no one else would be able to compete with - like Granny's famous cranberry salad, Mem's famous sweet potato casserole... all made with love! Just like years past - fun was had and new memories were created.

Nana has taken the reins and started doing the cranberry salad... Granny just isn't steady enough on her feet for long periods of time to pull it off. As always, it was a hit. YUM!

Of course lake trips are just not complete with out a little fishing... I'm pretty certain Carter caught the most fish!

Now, for those of you that don't know... it was nice in SC this Thanksgiving - nice enough to eat outside - however, NOT warm enough to go swimming... at least not for the sane. Carter & Lachlan were determined. As you can see from the picture - I did not pack a bathing suit. Luckily, Carter wasn't brave enough to jump all the way in... he actually said to me "Mom, you are right - it is cold".

Uncle Mattie joined us - oh what fun it was! He and Mackenzie bonded....

Let's see... 4 generations here. Auntie Ramie, Carter, Nana, Granny, Mackenzie & Josh. Picture perfect.

After reviewing all the pictures (click here), it is clear who was snapping away this year. I'm not in a single one. All well... next year!